This book offers fresh perspectives on childhood, adolescence, human diversity, and learning. With novel theoretical backing of Indian research studies that confirm, bolster, extend, or challenge established theories, it explores connections between prevailing ideas in educational psychology and the issues relevant to young learners of today.

Authored by leading scholars and practitioners of Indian education, the volume covers a wide range of topics, including early childhood care and education, sociocultural, philosophical, and psychological perspectives on childhood and adolescence, contemporary lifestyle changes, and concerns about diversity. These concerns range from multilingualism and gender to intelligence and the development of self and identity. Structured in terms of historical progression, each chapter offers a theoretical context, emphasizing contemporary perspectives within the specific area of focus. Additionally, independent research studies are integrated into the chapters to provide a comprehensive framework of the addressed issues rather than existing as standalone research papers.

A valuable resource relevant to multiple disciplines, this book caters to educators, researchers, and teacher trainers, as well as students of Education, Psychology, Counselling, Development Studies, Social Work, and Sociology. It’s also a useful tool for parents, policymakers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in education.

Namita Ranganathan is a Professor in the Department of Education, University of Delhi. She has 38 years of teaching and research experience in the fields of Childhood and Adolescence Studies. She was the Head and Dean, Faculty of Education from 2016–2019.