Because of the emphasis on social context within the bioecological theory (and Bronfenbrenner's role in shaping educational and public policies, for instance, as a co-founder of the Head Start program), the book has relevance across disciplines, including psychology, human ecology, human development and family studies, education, and public policy.

The book is rich in cultural and historical comparisons. The concepts of the bioecological model and the ecology of human development represent a unique contribution to the field of developmental psychology.

Features contributions and commentary by distinguished scholars: a Foreword by Richard M. Lerner of Tufts University and an Afterword by Stephen F. Hamilton and Stephen J. Ceci of Cornell University.