This chronologically-organized survey of child development provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical framework of the field and discusses current research on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children. Zigler and Finn Stevenson present the material within the context of the current social conditions that influence the lives of children and their families. Stressing that human existence occurs not in isolation but within a social context, the authors (recognized authorities, who have been heavily involved in the shaping of national policies for children) explore such topics as: effects of out-of-home childcare, children in poverty, solutions to the high infant mortality rate in the United States, health care of children in the United States, and what we can learn from other nations, roles of government, business, and schools in addressing the needs of children and their families , and causes and solutions of teen pregnancy, the causes of teen suicide, and the problems surrounding teen suicide prevention programs. In addition, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of basic and applied research and include an integrative view of the developing child from a cross-cultural perspective.