ABSTRACT
Human development is a dynamic and complex process impacted by genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors. Building on the earlier work of Lev Vygotsky (1962) and Jean Piaget (1952), Uri Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) socio-ecological perspective has been widely adopted and adapted since the 1970s to explain development in context. In the last two decades neuroscience or neurobiology along with epigenetics are continuing to advance our understanding of human capability and adaptation. This chapter provides an overview of the different theories in the contemporary context of early childhood development and well-being; from the age-old debate of nature versus nurture to how genes moderate environmental influences and vice versa.
