Noting that much is known from research and practice regarding what works to promote resilience of children and families in a variety of high-risk life situations, this book considers the impact of culture, economy, employment, poverty, family structure, and social policy on parenting, child development, education, and the life success of youth. The chapters are: (1) "The Well-Being of Children in a Changing Economy: Time for a New Social Contract in America" (Leslie S. Gallay and Constance A. Flanagan); (2) "Stressful Experiences and the Psychological Functioning of African-American and Puerto Rican Families and Adolescents" (Ronald D. Taylor and others); (3) "The Economic and Psychological Dynamics of Nonresident Paternal Involvement" (Paul Florsheim); (4) "Another Look at the Elephant: Child Care in the Nineties" (Deborah Lowe Vandell, Kim Dadisman, and Kathleen Gallagher); (5) "Maternal Employment Influences on Early Adolescent Development: A Contextual View" (Jacqueline V. Lerner and E. Ree Noh); (6) "Maternal Employment: Effects of Social Context" (Lois Wladis Hoffman); (7) "The Impact of Divorce on Adjustment during Adolescence" (Christy M. Buchanan); (8) "The Myths and Realities of African-American Fatherhood" (Edmund W. Gordon); (9) "Make Room for Daddy II: The Positive Effects of Fathers' Role in Adolescent Development" (Marc A. Zimmerman, Deborah A. Salem, and Paul C. Notaro); (10) "Profiles in Resilience: Educational Achievement and Ambition among Children of Immigrants in Southern California" (Ruben G. Rumbaut); (11) "Agency and School Performance among Urban Latino Youth" (Leslie Reese, Kendall Kroesen, and Ronald Gallimore); and (12) "Cultural Explanations for the Role of Parenting in the School Success of Asian-American Children" (Ruth K. Chao). Each chapter contains references. (KB)