Oscar A. Barbarin – författare

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.

There is a gap between the hope for improved social conditions in post-apartheid South Africa and the grim reality of black life there is especially striking for South African children who face serious threats to their health and development as a consequence of poverty, racism, violence, and residual social inequality. Mandela's Children presents the contrasting conditions of hope and peril that characterize life in South African families, schools, and communities. Using empirical data and qualitative case studies, the authors analyze and discuss research on children's behavioral, emotional, and academic development and how they are influenced by community violence, household poverty and family functioning. This discussion is balanced by one that considers the competence, health and resilience of South African children.

There is a gap between the hope for improved social conditions in post-apartheid South Africa and the grim reality of black life there is especially striking for South African children who face serious threats to their health and development as a consequence of poverty, racism, violence, and residual social inequality. Mandela's Children presents the contrasting conditions of hope and peril that characterize life in South African families, schools, and communities. Using empirical data and qualitative case studies, the authors analyze and discuss research on children's behavioral, emotional, and academic development and how they are influenced by community violence, household poverty and family functioning. This discussion is balanced by one that considers the competence, health and resilience of South African children.