Structural Racism and Youth Development

Summary

This publication explores the game-changing role that race plays in our country’s politics, economy and culture. It delivers clear examples, recommendations and discussion points aimed at helping the youth field address structural racism and forge a brighter, fairer path for America’s future.

Table of Contents

• Table of Contents
• Background
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• The Meaning of Race
• Structural Racism
• The Legacy and Enduring Power of Our Racial History: White Privilege
• National Values
• Contemporary Culture
• The Processes That Maintain the Racial Status Quo
• Institutional Policies and Practices
• What Does a Structural Racism Perspective Imply for the Youth Field?
• Conclusion
• Notes
• Selected Bibliography

Key Takeaway

Life’s playing field isn’t level for youth of color

Compared to their white peers, youth of color experience poorer outcomes at nearly every turn on their path to adulthood. Consider education: Black and Latino youth are less likely to complete high school, attend college or earn a bachelor’s degree. Or look to our juvenile justice system, where black youth face harsher consequences at each step—from arrests to sentencing.