From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up--This encyclopedia blends disciplines such as biology, nutrition, psychology, sociology, anthropology, family, and environmental science. Readers will gain an understanding of the interdependence of humans with their environment as they research such topics as gambling, parenting, tobacco, elder abuse, clothing design, stress, "Air Quality," and "Catholic Schooling." Biographies of significant social scientists and psychologists are included in the alphabetical arrangement. The authoritative, scholarly articles provide more in-depth information than a general encyclopedia. Throughout the set, issues of race, gender, age, and ethnicity are addressed. Subheadings help readers locate information within each entry. Volume two has an extensive index. The black-and-white photographs add little to the presentation. This well-documented resource will prove useful in larger libraries for health, life-skills, psychology, and sociology classes.--Michael McCullough, Byron-Bergen Middle School, Bergen, NY
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The complex nature of human ecology is examined in this encyclopedia. Entries are drawn from the studies of individuals and groups (as in psychology and sociology, for example); from the professions "intended to enhance individual and family life" (education, public health, etc.); and from the various disciplines and professions that study environments, both natural and designed. A sampling from the more than 250 entries includes
Aging and technology, Air quality, Child and family poverty, Cognitive and language skills, Contemporary men's movement, Evolution, Family diversity, Functional clothing design, Gender and environment, Juvenile justice system, Osteoporosis, Sustainable development, and
Youth sports. Profiles of individuals who have contributed significantly to the field of human ecology are given entries, among them Erik Erikson, Arnold Gesell, and Margaret Mead. Each of these entries provides a brief biographical sketch in addition to a discussion of the individual's work and contributions.
The encyclopedia is arranged in alphabetical order. Following each entry is a see also note listing related topics and a "References and Further Reading" section. Complete bibliographic citations range in number from 5 or 6 for some entries to 30 for others. The cited works generally refer to the literature of recent years and should be readily available for more detailed study. Some entries are accompanied by black-and-white photographs.
Other resources addressing human ecology, such as The A to Z of World Development (New Internationalist, 1998) and Human Environments: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia (ABC-CLIO, 1995), are not as comprehensive. The editors have succeeded in their ambitious goal of creating a single authoritative source for the study of human ecology. This unique encyclopedia is recommended for academic and large public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
