ABSTRACT
Human development occurs along a complex process of systemic change that takes place over ontogenetic time within particular historical and sociocultural contexts (Bruner, 1997; Ford & Lerner, 1992; Valsiner, 2007). The sociocultural genesis and the constructive role of individuals concerning their own development have been well established by contemporary developmental theorists (e.g. Bruner, Rogoff, Valsiner, Wertsch). However, many theorists and practitioners still face many challenges. First, there is the development of creative methodologies to approach the multiplicity of interdependent factors playing a central role in developmental processes, taking into account the intertwined nature of both general (species specific) and local (socioculturally specific) aspects of human development. Second, there is the challenge of the ethical and necessary translation of scientific knowledge about human development into corresponding social practices and activities to foster child development within the various cultural contexts within which children are embedded since the moment they are born.
