ABSTRACT

We have three goals for this framing chapter for the volume: (1) provide a rationale for the topic of the volume, (2) describe the origins of the volume which emanated from a conference on this topic, and (3) provide an overview of the volume contents. The concepts driving this volume – global perspective especially in developmental science, an emphasis on youth and particularly positive youth development, and the importance of youth action or interventions supporting youth in the face of social change – continue to have urgency for the world. The economic crisis, deepest in the US and minority world with shockwaves globally, was the original impetus for this effort. While the economic crisis has now abated in many regions, the context of social change with its effects especially on youth has continued to be salient globally.