Martin Woodhead
Reconstructing developmental psychology—some first steps
The Open University
starting point claim developmental psychology traditionally projected standardised image childhood especially emphasis describing universal stages psychological growth within assumed normal childhood environments reifications universality normality turn regulated social action individual family school level increasingly images idealised treated standard judging quality childhood contexts far removed euroamerican origins explore historical roots universalistic thinking childrens nature needs constitutes healthy development consider opportunities new psychology childhood reconstructed ways pay attention cultural dimensions subject illustrate growing interest amongst psychologists studying childrens development sociocultural process well lessons social constructionist critiques developmental paradigm conclude reflecting challenges facing psychological studies childhood issues reflexive inclusive cultural copyright 1999 john wiley amp sons ltd