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Theories of Child Development and Vulnerability in Childhood

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A Rights-Based Preventative Approach for Psychosocial Well-Being in Childhood

Part of the book series: Children¿s Well-Being: Indicators and Research ((CHIR))

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Abstract

This chapter discusses the theories of child development and vulnerability in childhood with reference to:

1. The concept of human development as produced by the interaction and modification of the biological, the psychological and the societal systems, and stages of development;

2. The cognitive and psychosocial theories of child development and their critique;

3. The social construction of childhood vulnerability with reference to adultism and protective exclusion in childhood, social construction of childhood and adolescence and the western scientific construction of “normal” childhood;

4. The ecological context of childhood vulnerability with reference to the patriarchal family and development, liberalisation and globalisation; and

5. The concepts and cycle of vulnerability, neglect, abuse, commercial exploitation and conflict with law in childhood and adult life.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tata Institute of Social Sciences, #1203 & 1204, Apollo Tower, Mahalakshmi Mandir Road, Deonar, Mumbai, 400 088, India

    Murli Desai Ph.D. (Social Work, Former Professor)

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  1. Murli Desai Ph.D.
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Correspondence to Murli Desai Ph.D. .

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Desai, M. (2010). Theories of Child Development and Vulnerability in Childhood. In: A Rights-Based Preventative Approach for Psychosocial Well-Being in Childhood. Children¿s Well-Being: Indicators and Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9066-9_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9066-9_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-90-481-9065-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-90-481-9066-9

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