Worlds of development: The experiences of low-income, African-American youth

This in-depth literature review summarizes key findings from qualitative studies of the development prospects of African-American youth growing up in impoverished urban neighborhoods. Sociological and anthropological studies indicate a disparity in development: some youth achieve conventional outcomes while others do not, despite living in similar neighborhoods. Social and family factors explain some of these differences. In addition, internal variations within neighborhoods also affect youth development. The findings analyzed here broaden existing developmental frameworks that have been derived primarily from the experiences of middle-class white youth. These data explicate the complex, diverse, and distinct nature of developmental experiences among low-income, African-American youth.