Developmental Dynamics and Transitions in High School

This book explores the transitions of young people during their first year of high school, focusing on the interactions between personal motives, interpersonal dynamics, institutional values, and societal standards. It argues that developmental dynamics among young people are connected to institutional conditions and concrete places and uses cultural-historical activity theory and ecological psychology to understand these connections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This captivating book delves into the lives of young individuals as they navigate their first year of high school, providing a profound understanding of the complexities of being young and entering new institutional settings. Through vivid narratives and meticulous research, the author explores the intricate developmental dynamics of youth life, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that accompany this pivotal period.

The book begins by introducing six young people, each with their unique experiences and perspectives, as they embark on their high school journey. The author closely follows these individuals, providing a firsthand account of their encounters and struggles as they navigate the various standards, values, and demands inherent in the institutional setting of high school.

The chapters delve into the complex interplay of personal motive orientation, interpersonal dynamics, institutional values, and societal standards, revealing how these factors intertwine to shape the everyday lives of young people. The author highlights the subtle negotiations that occur as individuals strive to define their identity and align their actions with the expectations of their peers and the institution.

By examining variations on both an institutional and interpersonal level, the book emphasizes the importance of a person-environment reciprocity in the study of development. The author draws upon cultural-historical activity theory and ecological psychology, incorporating insights from influential theorists such as Bang, Barker & Wright, Gibson, Lewin, Hedegaard, Ilyenkov, Stetsenko, and Vygotsky. Through this holistic approach, the author reveals the developmental dynamics that unfold in the everyday lives of young people, highlighting the interconnectedness of individual and social processes with institutional conditions and concrete places.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of youth development. By insisting on a wholeness approach, the author sheds new light on the complexities of youth life, challenging traditional narratives and providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that young people face during their transition to high school. The stories of the six young individuals portrayed in the book serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of young people, and their journey serves as a source of inspiration for those navigating their own developmental paths.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350141728