Sociocultural Influences on the Sociopolitical Development of African American Youth
Abstract
Abstract Sociopolitical development (SPD) is the process by which individuals become aware of social inequality, recognize the status of their social identities, and engage in activism. For racially marginalized youth, race is an important aspect of their SPD. Yet few studies have considered the connections between racial factors and youth's SPD. In this article, we introduce an integrative model situating racial sociocultural processes (i.e., racial identity, racial socialization, and experiences of racial discrimination) within current SPD theory. In particular, we look at African American youth as a case study to discuss how sociocultural factors can contribute to youth's awareness of structures of social inequality (i.e., critical social analysis) and engagement in action against social inequality (i.e., sociopolitical action). We conclude with suggestions for research.
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The development of camaraderie among marginalized youth may enhance marginalized youth's understanding of systemic inequalities and increase their engagement in activism to fight against shared oppression.
“The development of camaraderie among marginalized youth, in particular, may enhance marginalized youth's understanding of systemic inequalities and increase their engagement in activism to fight against shared oppression [43].”
From Burnout and Belonging: How the Costs and Benefits of Youth Activism Affect Youth Health and Wellbeing (2023) · cites this paper as [43]
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Self-citation
- Authors
- Anyiwo, N., Bañales, J., Rowley, S. J., Watkins, D. C., & Richards-Schuster, K.
- Affiliations
- University of Michigan (US)
- Corresponding author
- Anyiwo, Nkemka
- Venue
- Child Development Perspectives
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2018-08-03
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 165-170
- ISSN
- 1750-8592 (ISSN-L)
- 1750-8606
- OpenAlex
- W2783914387
- Cited by
- 147
- References
- 36
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 19 · 2022: 32 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 21 · 2019: 8
- FWCI
- 26.74
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Child Development Perspectives (publishedVersion)
- Deep Blue (University of Michigan) (acceptedVersion)
- Deep Blue (University of Michigan) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- National Science Foundation (DGE1256260)
- Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Racial and Ethnic Identity Research
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social Movements and Cultural Identity
- Keywords
- socio-political development, African American youth, racial identity, racial socialization, racial discrimination, social inequality, activism, critical social analysis, sociopolitical action, racial marginalization, sociocultural factors
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