Boys and Men in African American Families

This important volume takes a life course approach in sharing empirical insights on the family experiences of African American males in socioeconomic and political contexts. Representing fields ranging from developmental psychology to public health and sociology to education, chapters identify challenges facing black men and boys in the U.S., as well as family and community sources of support and resilience. Survey findings and exemplar case studies illustrate stressors and risk factors uniquely affecting African American communities, and tailored prevention and intervention strategies are described at the personal, family, and societal levels. These interdisciplinary perspectives not only encourage additional research, but inspire the continued development of appropriate interventions, relevant practice, and equitable policy.

Included in the coverage:

• The adjustment and development of African American males: Conceptual frameworks and emerging research opportunities.

• A trauma-informed approach to affirming the humanity of African American boys and supporting healthy transitions to manhood.

• Humanizing developmental science to promote positive development of young men of color.

• Families, prisoner reentry, and reintegration.

• Safe spaces for vulnerability: New perspectives on African Americans who struggle to be good fathers.

• They can’t breathe: Why neighborhoods matter for the health of African American men and boys.

Promoting diversity in the research agenda to reflect a diverse population, Boys and Men in African American Families is an invaluable reference for research professionals particularly interested in sociology, public policy, anthropology, urban and rural studies, and African American studies.  Survey and ethnographic studies of poverty, inequality, family processes, and child, adolescent, and adult health and development are featured.