How do social practices, exposures, and environmental factors influence child development and evolve in complexity throughout the life course?

The life course highlights the need to consider child development as a crucial aspect in the articulation of social practices and exposures in connection to places, actors, and activities. This perspective emphasizes the dynamic and interconnected nature of development, where the experiences and interactions a child has within their environment play a significant role in shaping their growth. The environment in which the individual is embedded includes a range of social, physical, and internal exposures.

These exposures are not static; they evolve and become more complex as the individual progresses through different stages of life. Understanding this complexity is essential for addressing the varied influences on development and for creating supportive environments that foster healthy growth and development throughout the entire life course.