The bulk of this chapter is devoted to the family as part of a dynamic system that includes the child, but also the community and the larger society. In the latter part of the chapter we examine the role of formal schooling, neighborhoods, and media, especially online media, as socializing agents for children and adolescents.

The definition of being a distributor is given, followed by clarifying the major types of distributors that exist. An analysis is then conducted of how independent distributors can add value to products and services. The definition of a retailer is provided next and its major types are elaborated upon. An explanation is made of why many retailers implement multiple pathways to serve customers and why establishing omni-channels thereafter is alluring. The main goal of the chapter is to clarify why many suppliers rely on distributors and retailers in B2C, and distributors in B2B.

What the distribution intensity decision entails, including both offline and online channels, is initially presented. Then, the three strategic options of distribution intensity are elaborated upon. The classic category of goods model is described, helping to give some clue as to why each of the three strategic options would be implemented by firms under certain conditions. Then, an assessment is made of the significance of other factors that could impact the level of distribution intensity for products and services. The downsides of excessive distribution intensity are elaborated upon. The interactions between targeted end-customers shopping in online and offline channels concludes the chapter.

In this chapter, we examine several aspects of children’s lives with their peers. Following ethologist Robert Hinde’s classification, social behaviors are described in terms of interactions, relationships, and groups. In a first section, we examine children’s peer interactions and relationships, including friendships. We then examine the dynamics of peer groups. Next, we look at a phenomenon that has been of great interests to psychologists, educators, and parents, that of antisocial behavior, specifically aggression. Prosocial behaviors, including comforting, sharing, and helping, also have developmental histories and are the topics of the next section. We conclude the chapter by looking at the development of moral reasoning and moral behavior, topics that have important theoretical, psychological, and practical implications.

In this chapter, we examine the foundations of the development of social cognition—how children come to understand themselves and others. We begin by looking at the development of theory of mind – how children come to understand that people’s behavior is influenced by their beliefs and desires. We then examine the development of social learning, the acquisition of social information and behavior, which is responsible for humans’ ability to transfer information with such high fidelity from one person (and generation) to another. We then examine the development of the self, including self-concept, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. We conclude the chapter by looking at a related topic, identity formation in adolescence, including the development of ethnic identity.

In this chapter, we look at some other factors as foundational to development as genetics, specifically cultural contexts. First of all, we focus on defining what is meant by culture and explaining why it is so relevant to understanding children and human development. Second, we describe Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems theory and Vygotsky’s Sociocultural theory, two of the theories that have examined more carefully the role of contexts and culture in human development. Finally, we show how human thinking is culturally shaped in the context of guided participation and apprenticeship in thinking, and present the four challenging and famous questions proposed by ethologist Niko Tinbergen to understand human behavior from a truly comprehensive point of view.

This chapter begins with an overview of the major changes in physical size and proportions and the nature of developmental changes in physical growth. We also examine factors that influence growth and discuss the problem of childhood obesity. We then shift our focus to one of the most important and drastic periods of change in the life span—adolescence and the onset of sexual maturity. We next look at aspects of children’s motor development, examining both gross and fine motor changes in children’s abilities to control their bodies. We then devote a relatively large section to the development of perhaps the body’s most important organ—at least from a psychological perspective—the brain, which is expanded in later chapters.

This introductory chapter is intended to “set the table” so to speak for the rest of the textbook. Marketing is defined as an academic discipline. The critical importance is emphasized of market segmentation and target market selection to the firm. Importantly, a new model of marketing strategy is proposed that attempts to tie everything together. As defined, marketing is critical for every firm, including distributors and retailers. Channels of distribution are described. A discussion is given on how channels help connect the firm to targeted end-customers. In addition, how channels of distribution relate to brand equity and the pricing of goods is stressed. Finally, the critical importance of the pull and push strategy is highlighted, pertaining to how this plan improves the functioning of every marketing channel of the firm.

The importance is stressed of understanding the definition of channel contracts and associated common terms. An argument is made that channel contracts are necessary in every inter-firm channel relationship. The steps taken to formulate channel contracts are presented, followed by a discussion of why alteration of contracts is often required. It is acknowledged why serious contract violations must be dealt with swiftly and effectively. The implications of major laws that apply to channel conduct are evaluated.