The chapters in this volume address how different contexts and environments can facilitate or constrain the motivation of individuals. Motivational theory has tended to focus on internal psychological processes, but the chapters in this volume remind us that contextual factors are also very important contributors to motivation and achievement. The chapters address the role of context in educational settings including both classroom and school analyses, family contexts, work settings, personal and social contexts, as well as cross-cultural analyses of motivation in non-Western contexts.