Professional Development for Child Development Scholars who Want to Fight Fascism

Session Type: Professional Development Session

Abstract

Fascists and the far-right, such as white supremacist and misogynist groups, are using manipulative tactics to recruit children and youth into their ranks, both online and in person (Arbeit et al., 2020). Child development scholars have valuable knowledge and skills we can use to interrupt these recruitment pathways and fight fascism through research, teaching, and service. And, specific antifascist strategies can help us have even more impact. Fighting fascism is an integral part of building a world in which all youth can thrive. We invite anyone who wishes to begin or deepen their work in the fight against fascism to join us.

We draw on our experience in academia as well as our experience supporting and collaborating with antifascist community organizers. As one of SRCD's goals is to “advance cutting-edge and integrative developmental science,” the need for child development scholars to wield our intersectional, interdisciplinary resources to stop the myriad ways in which fascism harms children is urgent. We will provide space for participants to explore whether and how they want to get involved in this fight, what resources they already have, and what knowledge and skills they want to build. We will also advise participants on how to take appropriate measures to protect themselves against the threats of fascist retaliation. As we invest in our own professional development at the individual level, we will collectively vision how to adapt our profession itself to effectively meet the urgency of the current moment.

With Mimi Arbeit, Sarah Burnham, and Alexandria Onuoha.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development Sessions

Session Organizers

• Miriam R. Arbeit, Suffolk University

• Sarah L F Burnham, Suffolk University

Participant

• Alexandria Onuoha, Suffolk University