This book brings a cross-cultural dimension to the study of human development across the lifespan. It focuses on major developmental topics and provides a global and multicultural perspective by introducing the reader to contemporary and classical research. Basic principles and research findings are connected to practical everyday situations in order to enrich one's understanding of and appreciation for development as it occurs in diverse cultures throughout the world. Covering the entire lifespan, this book focuses on cultural contexts throughout the world while emphasizing links between theory, research and practical applications. For people interested in cross-cultural issues in the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, education or family studies.