Child and Adolescent Development: A Social Justice Approach

Child and Adolescent Development: A Social Justice Approach features portraits of development at each stage interwoven with the findings of developmental science research on how inequitable resources and opportunities, which are influenced by social, economic, and political factors, can impact development. The text also presents findings on how such data can be used to reduce inequities for children and their families, thereby optimizing development and allowing individuals to reach their full potential no matter who they are. The text begins with a chapter that briefly describes the stages, domains, and patterns of child and adolescent development, as well as traditional and contemporary theories. Subsequent chapters provide insight into the research methods of developmental science and explain how epigenetic influences affect development. The book then progresses chronologically, discussing the physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that occur within each stage, guiding readers through a tapestry of development from conception through adolescence. Throughout, Pan & Zoom sections supply both big-picture and microscopic understandings of development, Tech & Media asides highlight the influences that technology and media can have on child and adolescent development, and Mentor Minutes provide readers with practical wisdom through interviews with diverse professionals working in the field. Featuring a timely and much-needed perspective on development, Child and Adolescent Development: A Social Justice Approach is an ideal resource for courses in psychology, education, counseling, human services, and social work.

About the Author :
Kristine Anthis is a professor of psychology at Southern Connecticut State University, where she teaches courses in development and personality. She holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Nebraska and served as a fellow in the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy at Yale University. Dr. Anthis is a member of APA Division 2: Society for the Teaching of Psychology, and APA Division 7: Developmental Psychology. She has won multiple university-wide teaching awards and has served as a reviewer for the Teaching of Psychology journal. She lives in New Haven, Connecticut, with her wife and son.

Review :
"Inequity is both a defining feature of social life and critical for obtaining a fuller understanding of child and adolescent development. In this book, Dr. Anthis weaves together decades of research from across the social sciences to develop an understanding of psychological development that centers justice and equity. The book is both a powerful guide and an accessible entry point into this exciting field of study." Michael W. Kraus, Associate Professor of Psychology, Yale University "In a child and adolescent development textbook that we need more than ever at this moment in U.S. history, Kristine Anthis asks the readers of Child and Adolescent Development: A Social Justice Approach to understand differences among groups of children and teens through the lenses of disinvestments in public education, disinvestments in communities, as well as the perpetuation of structural racism. For students of human development, this textbook will help them explore the ways in which inequality is woven into our civic institutions and ways to develop supportive practices that respond to these inequalities." Judith Kaufman, Ph.D., Director and Professor, Doctoral Program in Learning and Teaching, Hofstra University "This text by Kristine Anthis covers central topics of research and theory on child and adolescent development in engaging and insightful ways. The textbook is especially valuable because of the emphasis in integrative ways of issues of social justice. The author, thereby, fills a gap since the role inequalities and inequities in children's development are insufficiently addressed in most approaches." Elliot Turiel, Jerome A. Hutto Professor, Graduate School of Education, University of California Berkeley "The confluence of recent crises has pointed to how crucial it is to view human development through an equity lens. This innovative book will better match the reality of children's and adolescents' lives for researchers, educators, and students to better understand them." Uri Berger Ph.D., Postdoctoral Associate, Yale University "Amidst the sea of textbooks covering child and adolescent development, this book represents a refreshing change, placing issues of equity and justice front and center. This is a book that is suitable for modern times and will resonate with students with diverse backgrounds and life experiences." Moin Syed Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Minnesota "This well executed text illustrates the numerous social disparities that profoundly affect the lives of children, teens, and families using diverse case studies and cutting-edge psychological science." Harry Voulgarakis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Child Study, St. Joseph's College of New York "This book, more relevant than ever to the needs of today's world, greatly helps us understand what types of changes are needed in society to promote more equitable developmental outcomes for youth." Seth Schwartz, Ph.D., Professor of Public Health Sciences - University of Miami, Professor of Educational Psychology - University of Texas