"This new edition of Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Development is obligatory reading for anyone interested
in the integration of evolutionary theory into developmental psychology....It provides a valuable corrective to
recent narrow approaches which argue that the human mind is constructed exclusively of domain--specific mechanisms
and which deemphasize the importance of human psychological and behavioral plasticity....Anyone who reads this
book will come away with a richer understanding of our shared human nature."
--Bill Irons, Northwestern University
"In this volume, Burgess and MacDonald have brought together a distinguished group of psychologists and anthropologists
to investigate how--given our evolutionary heritage, genetic make--up and salient environment--behavior, cognition,
and emotion unfold from the human organism. They make clear that both evolutionary functional and proximate behavioral
perspectives are essential to understanding the human mind and its products. Many of these essays should be required
reading for sociobiologists, evolutionary psychologists, and evolutionary anthropologists and their ilk."
--Jeffrey Kurland, Penn State
"It's clear that evolutionary biology has a tremendous amount to offer when it comes to our understanding
of human development, and yet, many experts in developmental psychology have remained impervious to these insights.
At last, this may change: Burgess and MacDonald have compiled a rich array of theory and data, much of it contributed
by the leading lights of evolutionary psychology (or, if you prefer, sociobiology). A very valuable collection
and one that might help define a new and important field."
--David P. Barash, University of Washington
Publisher Web Site, November, 2004
Summary
Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Development, Second Edition considers the role of evolutionary theory in
the field of developmental psychology to examine important topics of individual human development. This unique
book fills an important gap in the literature, applying evolutionary models to human development by focusing on
central development issues. The book emphasizes the importance of both domain-general evolved psychological mechanisms
and domain-specific processes. The text also integrates behavior-genetic research with evolutionary and developmental
principles.
In this contributed volume, editors Robert L. Burgess and Kevin MacDonald have brought together a distinguished
group of social and behavioral scientists employing multiple levels of analysis drawn from a variety of academic
disciplines. This diverse group of contributors illustrates the enormous power of evolutionary theory by elucidating
human behavior and its development and the various ways it is manifested in different environments. Evolutionary
Perspectives on Human Development applies evolutionary theory to such topics as parent-child relationships, the
maltreatment of children, psychopathology, cooperation and competition among siblings, and the acquisition of vital
resources in different cultural settings from an evolutionary point of view.
Key Features
Comprehensive coverage of the impact of evolutionary theory on human development provides students with the
most thorough foundation available in this area.
Contributions by leading scholars and researchers expose readers to the exciting research and developments
that have been occurring in the field.
An introductory chapter written by the volume editors provides an accessible overview of the book.
Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Development provides state-of-the-art groundwork in evolutionary theory as
viewed by leading thinkers in the field. It is an excellent supplementary textbook for advanced undergraduate and
graduate courses in evolutionary and developmental psychology.