ABSTRACT
The study of social relationships has undergone profound shifts in the last two decades. One of the major changes is the recognition of the interdependence of social systems. To illustrate this issue, we focus here on the mutual influence between family and peer socialization systems. To fully appreciate this shift, it is critical to recognize that our changing view of the interrelations between socialization systems is part of a more general change in our conceptualization of the field of developmental psychology. One of the most characteristic shifts in the field is the increasing search for connections across boundaries and the increasing porousness of boundaries. Several types of boundaries can be identified: First, explanatory systems are no longer isolated, but are assumed to mutually influence each other. The era of the grand theories of Freud and Piaget gave way to a variety of mini theories aimed at limited and specific aspects of development-cognitive, affective, social. Each of these theoretical developments is highly restricted in its scope and explanatory area.
