Contemporary Constructions of the Child: Essays in Honor of William Kessen

This volume contains critical state-of-the-art essays on significant aspects of children's development and developmental inquiry, examining infant perception, action, and social cognition, concept development, language, play, parent education, autism, and Tourettes Syndrome, pediatrics, and child development, and science, practice, and gender roles in early child psychology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1991, this comprehensive volume presents a collection of critical and cutting-edge essays on significant aspects of children's development and developmental inquiry. Spanning a wide range of topics, the book delves into essential areas such as infant perception, action, and social cognition; concept development and language acquisition; children's play and its significance; parent education and its role in child development; the challenges faced by children with autism and Tourette Syndrome; pediatrics and child development; and the interplay of science, practice, and gender roles in early child psychology.

A remarkable and cohesive theme emerges from the contributors' discussions, as they present their substantive ideas within the framework of their own impressive intellectual biographies. While serving as a collective case study in the recent history of ideas, the contributors pay tribute to the profound intellectual and personal influence of William Kessen.

The book is organized into five distinct sections, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of children's development. The first section, titled "Infant Perception, Action, and Social Cognition," examines the early stages of a child's development, focusing on their perception, motor skills, and social interactions. Contributors explore topics such as visual perception, object permanence, social referencing, and language acquisition during this critical period.

The second section, titled "Concept Development and Language," delves into the cognitive processes that shape a child's understanding of the world. Contributors discuss topics such as categorization, logical reasoning, language acquisition, and the development of narrative skills. They explore how children construct knowledge and communicate their ideas through language, and how language influences their cognitive development.

The third section, titled "Children's Play," explores the importance of play in a child's development. Contributors discuss the various forms of play, its functions, and its role in promoting cognitive, social, and emotional development. They explore how play fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, socialization, and the development of self-regulation.

The fourth section, titled "Parent Education and Child Development," focuses on the role of parents and caregivers in promoting children's development. Contributors discuss the importance of early childhood education, parent-child relationships, and the impact of parental support and involvement on a child's overall development. They explore strategies for promoting positive parenting practices and building strong family relationships.

The fifth section, titled "Children with Autism and Tourette Syndrome," addresses the challenges faced by children with developmental disabilities. Contributors provide insights into the nature of these disorders, their symptoms, and the various interventions and therapies that can help children with autism and Tourette Syndrome thrive. They explore the role of families, schools, and communities in supporting these children and promoting their inclusion.

Throughout the book, the contributors honor the intellectual and personal influence of William Kessen. They acknowledge his pioneering work in the field of child psychology and his contributions to the development of the discipline. The book serves as a tribute to Kessen's legacy and a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in children's development and developmental inquiry.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume offers a wealth of knowledge and insights into children's development and developmental inquiry. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners working in the field, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of key topics. The contributors' discussions, framed within their intellectual biographies, add depth and richness to the book, making it an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of child development.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032105338