"In this engagingly written work on an important topic, the authors argue, quite convincingly, that the social and biological determinants and consequences of low birth weight have not been adequately explored by social scientists or natural/life scientists."--Brian Powell, Allen D. and Polly S. Grimshaw Professor of Sociology, Indiana University "Conley and colleagues make a major contribution to knowledge of the causes and consequences of low birth weight and draw on that knowledge to formulate public policies for prevention and intervention. The book provides for the broad field of the social determinants of health a fresh framework for research that interacts social and biological factors and health consequences into an intergenerational life course understanding of human development and health. Their work is an integrative triumph of major dimension."--Alvin R. Tarlov, M.

D., Director of the Texas Institute for Society and Health, Rice University " The Starting Gate provides a sophisticated, yet easily accessible, understanding of how biological and social factors interact across lives and generations to affect birth weight and future life chances."--David Mechanic, Rene Dubos Professor of Behavioral Science, Rutgers University.