ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes how the concept of parental empowerment has been derived from an ecological view of human development. It argues that there are environmental factors, operating outside the influence of the developing child, which may inhibit or distort developmental progress. The book also argues that the observable effects of research being translated into practice are negligible and, furthermore, that an examination of contemporary child development research suggests that there is very little which is applicable within the context of education. It examines the wider social and political context in terms of making research more effective with regard to changing policy and practice. Social science, and psychology in particular, have since their inception sought not only to increase knowledge but to provide the basis for improved social policy and the alleviation of social problems through systematic intervention.