Fostering anti-racism in white children and youth: Development within contexts

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Anti-Racism Studies

Background:

• Racial inequality is perpetuated by societal structures in the United States.
• Understanding the developmental pathways toward anti-racism in White youth is critical.
• Existing models often overlook the systemic influences on children's anti-racist development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a developmental model of anti-racism for White children and youth.
• To integrate a structural-psychological framework into understanding anti-racist development.
• To identify key developmental processes and contextual factors influencing anti-racism.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical model development based on a structural-psychological framework.
• Integration of concepts from developmental psychology, social psychology, and critical race theory.
• Emphasis on socio-cognitive skills, moral development, and recognition of systemic racism and White privilege.

Main Results:

• Anti-racist development is intrinsically linked to societal structures upholding racial inequality.
• Key developmental stages include foundational abilities, self/societal understanding, and action within supportive contexts.
• Schools and families are identified as crucial promotive contexts for anti-racism.

Conclusions:

• The proposed model offers a comprehensive framework for understanding White youth's anti-racist development.
• Further research is needed to empirically test and refine the model.
• Implications for parents, educators, and practitioners are discussed to foster anti-racist development.