2-113 - SRCD at the Intersection of Science and Social Policy: A Town Hall Format

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

SRCD prides itself on a rigorous approach to developmental science that attends to the rich diversity of children and families. SRCD’s initial response to the U.S. policy of separating Latinx families at the US/Mexico border demonstrated the inadequacies of a colorblind approach. The resulting frustration and disappointment among segments of the membership sparked the need for SRCD to reconsider the initial response. In the midst of demographic changes and the current political climate, SRCD is at a critical juncture in its organizational history. Deborah Johnson and Eleanor Seaton will host a professional development workshop in a Town Hall format that aims to chart a path forward for SRCD’s role at the intersection of science and social policy. The session will create an open dialogue regarding SRCD’s response to policies, such as the US family separation policy, as well as how SRCD proactively can use science to inform social policy. Sample questions for discussion during the session include: 1) How can SRCD work effectively at the intersection of science and social policy? 2) How does SRCD’s 501(c)3 status influence what can and cannot be stated in the context of controversial policies? 3) What are some ways in which SRCD can represent the interests of its membership given that it is a diverse and international organization? The Town Hall format will engage the membership in an open exchange of ideas and chart a productive path forward for the role of SRCD in using science to inform and respond to social policies.

Sub Unit

• Special Events

Moderators

• Deborah J Johnson, Michigan State University

• Gabriela Livas Stein, University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Panelists

• Natasha Cabrera, University of Maryland

• Richard Lee, University of Minnesota

• Laura L. Namy, Society for Research in Child Development

• Seth D Pollak, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Barbara Rogoff, University of California, Santa Cruz

• Eleanor K Seaton, Arizona State University

• Emilie Smith, University of Georgia