'A powerful, integrative, and insightful theory of society.'-Jack Meacham, State University of New York, Buffalo This provocative work presents a unified and scientifically grounded new theory on the development of society, namely, that the imaginary play of children reflects an endogenous orientation toward the construction of society. In twelve studies, Furth combines delightful observations of young children's spontaneous actions and interactions with lucid descriptions of complex psychological theories-including those of Piaget, Freud, Lacan, and Marxist scholars.

'A powerful, integrative, and insightful theory of society.'-Jack Meacham, State University of New York, Buffalo This provocative work presents a unified and scientifically grounded new theory on the development of society, namely, that the imaginary play of children reflects an endogenous orientation toward the construction of society. In twelve studies, Furth combines delightful observations of young children's spontaneous actions and interactions with lucid descriptions of complex psychological theories-including those of Piaget, Freud, Lacan, and Marxist scholars.