Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the ways in which intimate communications between infant and care-giver shape the neural pathways of the infant's brain and influence the child's eventual abilities to regulate his or her emotions and to respond to others in flexible and empathic ways. It suggests that there is an intimate connection between failed attachments in childhood and later expressions of violent behaviour. The book also suggests that there may be real conflict between the conditions that are necessary for secure attachments, and the culture and organization of key social institutions. It offers the theme of culture and attachments in the discussion of attachments, ageing and ageism. The book focuses generally on the ways that all processes of social exclusion limit the understanding of attachment needs.