Handbook of Developmental Science and Social Justice

This incisive Handbook presents an overview and analysis of developmental research focused on crucial social justice topics. Integrating research across developmental periods, leading scholars synthesize knowledge on the correlates of social justice orientations, how they develop and the effects of marginalization on developing youth.

Centering the role of socialization, contributors investigate how young people develop care and concern for others and how these sensibilities intersect, challenge and respond to social inequities across developmental periods. Chapters examine elements such as culture and race, gender and sexual orientation bias, socioeconomic stratification, environmental activism and conflict and global change, exploring how each shapes social justice orientations. The Handbook highlights the impact of prejudice within social systems and emphasizes how experiencing adversity can lead to deeper motivations to help others. It compiles the latest work on social justice to provide guidance for future scholarship in this vital area of study.

The Handbook of Developmental Science and Social Justice is an essential resource for scholars and students of psychology and sociology, especially those interested in human and social development and family science. Educators and youth practitioners will also find its insights into the factors that impact the development of social justice orientations invaluable.