It is in the nature of the development of the self that it becomes possible to maintain continuity in development while providing the basis for change. Language forms the self by making it possible for a user of language to relate himself as agent to others and to the culture. The formation of self depends powerfully on the meanings that a human…

Collected are four conference speeches which in various ways attack the developmental perspective that views genetics as a source of stability and environment as a source of change. Dr. Bonnie E. Litowitz's discussion of "Context and Continuity: Changing Perspectives on Children" explores differences among development, learning, and…