Toward Developmental Science That Meets the Challenges of 2044: Afrofuturist Development Theory, Design, and Praxis
Year: 2023
Type: book-chapter
Abstract: Although demographic trends point toward a “majority-minority” population in the US in the near future, inequities in the career and educational possibilities for Black young people persist. There are also inequities in developmental science, though scholars have contributed important theories, criticism, and research on Black populations that describe these inequitable experiences. To date, however, no theory comprehensively analyzes Black people’s development within technology-enhanced environments that emphasize possible futures. In this chapter, we present Afrofuturist Development, a theory, design lens, and praxis for Black child, adolescent, and emerging adult thrival. Afrofuturist Developmental uses of technology include, but go beyond, the transformational to experiences that are spirit-feeding and promotive of well-being. We outline how this may be achieved in ten core principles which focus on Black learning and development in homes, schools, communities, online, and at work across developmental stages. We also include a virtual critical game jam as a case study. Findings show how researchers were able to examine the creativity and practices of Black emerging adults using media and technology to project their visions of a liberated Black possible future. Adoption of Afrofuturist Development by educators, employers, practitioners, and researchers can support Black young people in reaching their full potential.
Source: Springer eBooks
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4318477623