Reconstructing agency in developmental and educational psychology : inclusive systems as concentric space / Paul Downes.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: From empty space to patterned space through concentric and diametric spatial systems -- Interactive differences between concentric and diametric spatial systems : beyond Bronfenbrenner's and L�evi-Strauss' concentric systems -- Agency as movement between mediating conditions of concentric and diametric spatial systems at different system levels : key problems of agency -- From resilience to inclusive systems : search in psychology for an agency of mediating conditions -- Challenging the diametric spatial condition underpinning 'the other' to change systems of exclusion for early school leaving prevention : agency as movement from diametric to concentric spatial systems -- The emotional-relational turn for early school leaving prevention as promotion of concentric spatial-relational systems to challenge diametric spatial systems : beyond emotion as the other for inclusive systems in education -- The emotional-relational turn for early school leaving prevention as promotion of concentric spatial-relational systems to challenge diametric spatial systems : selected and indicated prevention strategies of system supports for moderate risk and chronic need -- A spatial hermeneutic approach to system change for transitions and developmental cascades -- Spatial phenomenology and a protolanguage of concentric and diametric space -- Intrapsychic systems and a protolanguage of concentric and diametric space.

"This book reconstructs the foundations of developmental and educational psychology and fills an important gap in the field by arguing for a specific spatial turn so that human growth, experience and development focus not only on time but space. This regards space not simply as place. Highlighting concrete cross-cultural relational spaces of concentric and diametric spatial systems, the book argues that transition between these systems offers a new paradigm for understanding agency and inclusion in developmental and educational psychology, and for relating experiential dimensions to causal explanations. The chapters examine key themes for developing concentric spatial systemic responses in education, including school climate, bullying, violence, early school leaving prevention and students' voices. Moreover, the book proposes an innovative framework of agency as movement between concentric and diametric spatial relations for a reconstruction of resilience. This model addresses the vital neglected issue of resistance to sheer cultural conditioning and goes beyond the foundational ideas of Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, as well as Vygotsky, Skinner, Freud, Massey, Bruner, Gestalt and postmodern psychology to reinterpret them in dynamic spatial systemic terms. Written by an internationally renowned expert, this book is a valuable resource for academics, researchers and postgraduate students in the areas of educational and developmental psychology, as well as related areas such as personality theory, health psychology, social work, teacher education and anthropology"-- Provided by publisher.