Centering marginalized positive youth development constructs: examining perspectives and experiences of racially, ethnically, and gender minoritized practitioners and youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Positive youth development (PYD) measurement tools are influenced by the social positionalities, ideologies, and interests of those who create them. Historically, racial, ethnic, and gender-minoritized practitioners and youth program participants have been excluded from the development and testing of PYD measures. In particular, they have been excluded from the conceptual work of defining and operationalizing central PYD constructs, from which PYD measurement and implementation are rooted. Furthermore, the existing constructs are subjective qualities, characteristics, and normative behaviors. The role and impact of power, privilege, and oppression on PYD are often missing from PYD constructs, yet they play an important role in PYD practice with racially, ethnically, and gender-diverse youth. This paper aims to center the knowledge and experiences of marginalized youth practitioners and youth in the conceptualization of PYD constructs. A multiple qualitative case study design and a purposive, convenience sampling approach were used to identify programs within a publicly funded, county-wide initiative in the pacific northwest that serves Black, Indigenous, or person of color, immigrant or refugee, and/or trans- or non-binary youth. The inductive analysis identified three key constructs: racial and social identity development, socio-emotional development, and youth-centered program environment. Participants emphasized communitarian understandings of identity development, a clear articulation of social justice principles across constructs, and emphasized relational practices and environmental factors over youth characteristics. We outline results in detail and discuss how youth and adult service providers’ perspectives can help inform a more empowering and relevant model for evaluating PYD interventions.