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Waves of research and public discourse have characterized adolescence as periods of developmental risk and opportunity. Underlying this discussion is the recognition that adolescence is a period of major biological and social transition when experience may have an outsized effect on development. This article updates and expands upon prior work suggesting that adolescence may be a sensitive period for sociocultural processing specifically. By integrating evidence from developmental psychology and neuroscience, we identify how trajectories of social and neurobiological development may relate to adolescents' ability to adapt to and learn from their social environments. However, we also highlight gaps in the literature, including challenges in attributing developmental change to adolescent experiences. We discuss the importance of better understanding variability in biology (e.g., pubertal development) and cultural environments, as well as distinguishing between sensitive periods and periods of heightened sensitivity. Finally, we look toward future directions and translational implications of this research. • We evaluate adolescence as a sensitive period for sociocultural processing. • Social and neurobiological changes in adolescence point to a sensitive period. • Yet, few studies directly and specifically test sensitive period theories. • More specific definitions and study designs, as well as novel methods, may drive progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we expand on aspects of autobiographical memory initially laid out in our earlier exposition of the sociocultural developmental model. We present a developmental account of the integration of an extended subjective perspective within an extended narrative framework both of which are mediated through language and shared cultural narratives that culminate in autobiographical consciousness. Autobiographical consciousness goes beyond simple memories of past events to create a sense of extended self through time that has experienced and reflexively evaluated events. We argue from philosophical, evolutionary, and developmental psychological perspectives that narratives are a critical form of human consciousness, and that this form is learned through everyday social interactions that are linguistically mediated. Language has "double-duality" in that it is both outward facing, allowing more explicit, organized and differentiated communication to and with others, and language is also inward facing, in that language provides tools for organizing and differentiating internal consciousness. Although consciousness itself is multifaceted, we argue that language is the mechanism without which this particular form of human autobiographical consciousness would not develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article. To study in the theoretical aspect the socio-cultural development of the combined territorial communities in the process of decentralization of power in Ukraine. The methodology is based on the need to use an interdisciplinary approach that combines the possibilities of cultural studies, sociology, art studies, law, public administration and other humanities. The scientific novelty of the results is to substantiate the notion of decentralization in the context of the sociocultural features of the process of formation and development of the united territorial communities. Conclusions. As a result of the study, it was established that the socio-cultural development of the united territorial communities in the process of decentralization of state authorities involves a significant change in society, which should lead to the emergence of new social relations, institutions, norms, and values. This process involves the formation of a spiritually rich Ukrainian-speaking, patriotic personality. To accomplish the task, it is necessary for the united territorial communities to develop the key concepts and provisions of the socio-cultural approach to improve the development of the respective territories, outline the practical aspects of applying the socio-cultural approach in this area; to consider the socio-cultural potential of the population in accordance with the localities and traditions of the region, built on regional studies materials, and others like that. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the theme of intergenerational impact as it emerged during a study tour of adult learner communities in North America, carried out during March and April of 2011. Data was collected via observation, interviews and questionnaires, to provide a degree of international perspective to a broader ethnographic project investigating sociocultural development through ensemble music programmes in identifiable, marginalized, communities in Australia. The five-week tour involved observation of 31 ensembles, comprising several hundred learners and ensemble directors, spread across nine communities in Ontario, New York State, Washington State, Arizona and California. The study tour was facilitated by a New Horizons International Music Association (NHIMA) fellowship, and the participating communities were all members or affiliates of the NHIMA. Utilizing the theoretical framework of Lee Higgins' community as an act of hospitality, the article focuses on five emergent examples of social development with effects crossing generational boundaries, with findings indicating a growing trend in mentor-based social change within communities embracing group adult music learner programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the problem of unpopularity of small towns and rural areas. Our society has to accept a new image of non-urbanized areas. By the well known report, named as strategic study "Towards a New Urban Rural Partnership in Europe", directed by Flavio Boscacci, we have to realize, that "rural is no longer synonymous with the agricultural economy, but an area with a diversified economy, including industrial and services activities. These new ac-tivities have now overtaken agriculture in terms of their capacity to generate revenue and work opportunities. This process has facilitated the improvement of infrastructure, providing new transport routes and better accessibility, as well as new forms of communication (e.g. the information technologies)." The second part of the paper is designed for the pre-sentation of Kražiai people's approach to the development of the current situation ofKraziai and its perspectives. The main purpose of our research is to find out how to improve the strategy of this small town, well known in the past as the important centre of culture and science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]