Children live in rapidly changing times that require them to constantly adapt to new economic, social, and cultural conditions. In this book, a distinguished, interdisciplinary group of scholars explores the issues faced by children in contemporary societies, such as discrimination in school and neighborhoods, the emergence of new family forms, the availability of new communication technologies, and economic hardship, as well as the stresses associated with immigration, war, and famine. The book applies a historical, cultural, and life-course developmental framework for understanding the factors that affect how children adjust to these challenges, and offers a new perspective on how changing historical circumstances alter children's developmental outcomes. It is ideal for researchers and graduate students in developmental and educational psychology or the sociology and anthropology of childhood.

'This volume marks another milestone in the maturation of developmental psychology. The chapters illustrate how human development can only be understood in the context of social, cultural, and historical circumstances and changes. Under the tutelage of Ross D. Parke and Glen H. Elder, Jr, developmental science is slowly coming of age.' Michael Lamb, University of Cambridge
'Children's lives are being transformed by unprecedented challenges. This volume presents new knowledge and research models essential to every scholar and student who cares about how and why child behavior and well-being are changing, and thus about ways to redesign public policies and social institutions for coming generations of children worldwide.' Donald J. Hernandez, Hunter College and the Graduate Center, City University of New York
“This volume comprises a collection of excellent chapters that capture the effects of demographic, technological, economic, and sociocultural value changes on children's development. By using an interdisciplinary approach, each chapter locates development within a sociohistorical and cultural context, and thereby enriches our understanding of children's lives.' Ulrich Mueller, University of Victoria, Canada
'Children in Changing Worlds is an extraordinary body of work. Edited by renowned scholars Parke (Univ. of California, Riverside) and Elder (Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill), this collection helps readers understand child development in an ever-changing, fast-paced world. Focusing on children in urban environments, migrant children, and children of means, Parke and Elder have brought together world-class experts on child development and behavior. They delve into historical and life course transitions, facilitating in particular readers' understanding of the impact of education, developmental risks, and resilience. The book also immerses readers in the discourse on family and how it influences child development before concluding with an interdisciplinary dialogue from developmental and sociological perspectives. This is an essential read for anyone studying child development.' D. E. Kelly, Choice

Ross D. Parke is Distinguished Professor of Psychology Emeritus and former Director of the Center for Family Studies at the University of California, Riverside. He has received awards for his research from both the American Psychological Association (G. Stanley Hall Award) and the Society for Research on Child Development (Distinguished Scientific Contribution to Child Development). Glen H. Elder, Jr is Howard W. Odum Distinguished Research Professor of Sociology and a fellow in the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a former President of the Society for Research on Child Development.