Fosterphobia: Understanding the Marginalization of Students with Experience in Foster Care

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Insights on Adolescence and Youth Development: Advancement of Research and Methodological Approaches

Abstract

Individuals and institutions have historically developed, and continue to maintain, both conscious and unconscious biases toward students with experience in the foster care system. Projected stereotypes and prejudices significantly influence how students with experience in foster care (SEFC) are treated, particularly within educational settings. These generalized perceptions often lead to mistreatment, marginalization, and systemic neglect, further harming a population that is already in critical need of support and resources. This manuscript coined the term fosterphobia to describe how educational and societal institutions at-large stigmatize, marginalize, and dehumanize SEFC.

Authors

• Kenyon Lee Whitman, University of Nevada - Las Vegas

• Blayne D. Stone, University of Pittsburgh