One research study on the social milieu of development argues that human growth depends on the way individuals interact with resources in their physical, interpersonal, and cultural environments. The study further suggests that successful youth development is based on integrating individual motives and access to external resources in the community and that young people must be part of society and not separate from it if they are to value themselves. In examining how this sociocultural approach can be applied to understanding contemporary youth within their historical, cultural, and institutional settings, the role of social interaction in the environment of young people is discussed. The emphasis is on the arenas of work, family, school, and peer relationships. The author concludes that the study of cognition and culture offers valuable insights into social issues directly affecting young people. 23 references and 1 table