This address first briefly reviews what children are expected to know and be able to do when they reach adulthood and considers the critical developmental tasks which they must engage in and go through to meet such expectations. Then, consideration is given to the institutions of social networks in which development occurs as they operated in the pre-1940s period and as they operate today in the post-1940s period. The discussion relies on personal and research experience in the family and work in schools to point out the importance of looking beyond the individual and the family for causes of particular behaviors in young people. Finally, suggestions are offered concerning future directions and needs for research on child development and child behavior. (RH)