Abstract
Critical action—defined as actions and behaviors aimed at disrupting systems of oppression—is a developmental asset for Black and Latinx youth. Over the past two decades, research on Black and Latinx youth’s critical action has proliferated, particularly with respect to the development of quantitative measures. In this chapter, we review current conceptualizations and measures of critical action. We then highlight potential barriers (e.g., citizenship status) and facilitators (e.g., ethnic-racial identity) of critical action for Black and Latinx youth, with special consideration of differences during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Our review reveals the need for further measurement development that accounts for (1) experiences unique to specific ethnic-racial groups, (2) a wider spectrum of critical action, and (3) intention, frequency, and risk of critical action. We also assert that future research should consider how various contextual and demographic factors impact critical action across the lifespan. We conclude with recommendations for research on Black and Latinx youth’s critical action.
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Mathews, C.J., Bañales, J., Christophe, N.K., Briggs, A.S., Hope, E.C. (2023). Action, but Make It Critical: The Measurement and Developmental Processes of Critical Action for Black and Latinx Youth. In: Witherspoon, D.P., Stein, G.L. (eds) Diversity and Developmental Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-23163-6_10
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