1-008 - Thoughtful Conversations With Young Children About Gender, Race and Social Class

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

On behalf of the SRCD Equity & Justice Committee, this roundtable brings together scholars and practitioners to explore the best ways to discuss social identities with young children ages 3 to 8. We are interested in exploring conversations about gender, race and social class, as these are increasingly salient social groups to children and are consistently associated with persistent social inequities. Positive social identities can be critical for children’s development. Previous research has shown that children are aware of these social identities from a young age and have knowledge about associated stereotypes and status, yet often give inaccurate explanations of group inequities. Moderated by Dr. Jennifer Kotler Clarke, this roundtable will bridge empirical knowledge with practical applications, and will be useful for those who work with or create content for children. Our aim is for roundtable attendees to have a better understanding of the research on how to engage children in conversations around identity. Our goal is to provide participants with thoughtful language and strategies to help children celebrate the differences among us. We ultimately want to help our children develop with a sense social justice and equity so that they feel confident in who they are and will treat all people with respect.

Sub Unit

• Diversity, Equity & Social Justice

Moderator

• Jennifer Kotler Clarke, Sesame Workshop

Panelists

• Christia Spears Brown, University of Kentucky

• Riana Anderson, University of Southern California/University of Michigan

• Katherine M Griffin, University of California, Los Angeles