In the interest of retaining new growth in diversity exemplified in recent attendance and presentations at this years’ successful conference, the diversity science initiative was raised. Every corner of scientific endeavor embraces diversity within its intellectual confines; we would be on the forefront of doing so around lifespan and life course developmental science. While not diverging from the stated emphasis of our organization, Diversity Science as a perspective provides new expansion and inclusiveness in intellectual inquiry by fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for all, providing a welcoming space that builds toward a comprehensive understanding of human development within SSHD. The effort is in alignment with the broader focus and objectives of SSHD, and open to all.
Updates and Resources:
Please be sure to see the announcement of the Developing and Fostering Ally and Accomplice Action webinar described on the Professional Development Series page.
Please find a link to the slides presented at the March 2021 DSI Town Hall.
Navigate over to our Researcher's Window series.
What does diversity science mean?
Citations : https://diversity.psych.ucla.edu/diversity-science-at-ucla/ and from Plaut, V. C. (2010). Diversity science: Who needs it? Psychological Inquiry, 21, 168-174.
Diversity Science aims to advance theoretical and research perspectives on underrepresented minority people as well as the construction and interpretation of human differences in the behavioral sciences. Scholars study topics spanning differences and disparities in experiences and opportunities, mechanisms explaining differences and disparities, intergroup relations and conflict, social identity and social cognition, and diversity in development across the lifespan and across social contexts. Diversity Science extends behavioral science to understudied populations including racial/ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, individuals with minority sexual orientations, immigrants, and diverse socio-economic classes. This research can both test the boundaries of current theory and make new discoveries in identifying unique relational processes relevant to the experiences of minorities.
Who can be involved? Open to SSHD membership
While this initiative is not intended to change the organization it may be in an arena that our organization has not previously engaged in open discussion. Open discussion of this nature and the initiative itself, while welcomed, can also be uncomfortable. Taking these initial steps are essential to embracing and bracing the possibilities ahead.
Directions, activities, events
The Diversity Science Initiative is ripe with open possibilities, initial efforts may include:
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- Special RHD Issue
- Webinar on What is Diversity Science?
- Learning groups discussing how to map diversity science onto lifespan and life course perspectives
- Diversity scholarship award
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Later on conference activities might include:
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- A study group
- Emphasis- activity centered (breakfast, special symposiums, discussion groups) or
- Goal oriented (i.e., publications, awards)
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Our intention is to begin modestly and be open to suggestions. We want the membership to have input in the development of this initiative and its expressions. With this in mind, please provide us your ideas on possible efforts, and associated actions/activities.
Subcommittee:
Chair: Meenal Rana, Associate Professor, Child Development and Family Relationships, Cal Poly Humboldt
Deborah Johnson, Professor, HDFS, DSN, Michigan State University
Yoko Yamamoto, Visiting Associate Professor of Education, Brown University
Mona Abo-Zena, Assistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction, UMass Boston
Hyun-Kyung You, Professor, Child Development and Family Relationships, Cal Poly Humboldt
Juan Del Toro, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Kristine Ajrouch, Professor of Sociology, Eastern Michigan University
Mike Cunningham, Professor, Department of Psychology, Africana Studies at Tulane
Tawanda Hubbard, Ph.D. Candidate, Family Science and Human Development, Montclair University