Description
Racism and poverty cause unspeakable hardship and pain for Black boys and youth. After following a typical pattern of development in early childhood, this pain comes to the surface and is reflected in misbehavior that masks sadness, fear, and anger. This misbehavior traditionally begins with minor infractions and rule-breaking and can escalate over time to more serious transgressions. Furthermore, because of adversity and adultification, Black boys appear to grow up too fast and lose a presumption of innocence that is accorded to most groups of children. Additionally, their capacity to navigate adversity and alleviate emotional pain is impeded by a hyper-masculine socialization, which instructs them to suppress pain and conceal emotions not only from others but often from themselves. In Emotional Resilience in Black Boys, Oscar A. Barbarin offers insight as to why some Black boys succumb to this pain while others are able to overcome it. Barbarin examines this central question and provides strategies for what families, schools and communities can do to increase the likelihood of emotional resilience, specifically by embracing social assets which foster self-awareness, social awareness, and social control. Chapters highlight the benefits of affirmation and support, control structures that rein in problematic behavior through limit-setting and correcting misbehavior; and interpretive frameworks that instill cultural and spiritual values, personal efficacy, preparation for racism, and positive racial identities. Barbarin reveals how with the support of concerned adults in their homes, schools, and communities, Black boys can acquire the necessary tools to cope with loss, mitigate the impact of racism, and cultivate the social competencies that allow them to flourish.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Fear and Worry About Black BoysPart I. Facing AdversityChapter 1: Less Than HumanChapter 2: Barely Making ItChapter 3: Racism and Poverty Matter Part II. Foundations of Emotional ResilienceChapter 4: Early Emotional DevelopmentChapter 5: Social Competence Part III. Divergent DevelopmentChapter 6: The Golden Age of Childhood Chapter 7: Growing Up Fast Part IV. Origins of Serious Problem Behavior Chapter 8: Loss, Trauma and Problem Behavior Chapter 9: Emotional Distress Part V. Lives in Distress Chapter 10: Denying Emotions and Losing Self Chapter 11: Becoming a Knucklehead Part VI. Social Assets and Emotional ResilienceChapter 12: Emotional Resilience Chapter 13: Social Assets Build ResiliencePart VII. How Families, Schools and Neighborhoods HelpChapter 14: Preparation for Racism and AdversityChapter 15: Schools and Neighborhoods as Social AssetsConclusion: Re-Imagining Black Boys and Youth
