During the last two decades, psychologists and anthropologists have developed an array of increasingly sophisticated cross-cultural theories, methods, and findings outlining the human life cycle in a broad variety of western and nonwestern societies. In this volume, a distinguished group of 54 international authors takes stock of these efforts and provides an overview of cutting-edge research now changing the field of developmental psychology. The chapters provide an overview of historical and international perspectives in developmental psychology, introduce a broad variety of theoretical perspectives, review pertinent methodological issues, trace issues related to socialization and socioemotional development during various phases of the life cycle, delineate various aspects of moral development, discuss collaborative action research focused in reflective practice, and introduce variety of cross-cultural views and findings on aging. This volume is intended to be read by psychologists, cultural and psychological anthropologists, and graduate students interested in international and cross-cultural contributions to the study of human life cycle. The book should be of interest to both teachers and researchers. It represents the most comprehensive survey of cross-cultural research on human development now available.