Nancy E. Dowd: Reimagining Equality: A New Deal for Children of Color

Excerpt

In Reimagining Equality: A New Deal for Children of Color, Nancy Dowd proposes a developmental equality model to accomplish children’s equality. The model can be used for the basis for policy and litigation strategies to identify and dismantle structural discrimination. This model would prevent inequality for children, and provide affirmative support for all children’s opportunities to develop equitably. Dowd gradually but successfully makes this case in three parts. In Part I, the author examines the developmental life course of Black boys from birth to adulthood (age eighteen) based on social science-focused literature and research. Significant developmental milestones are discussed, and their challenges from conditions designed by the state are uncovered. Dowd’s analysis of Black boys functions to expose the structural discrimination that fosters inequality and subordination of Black boys in society, processes that are inextricably linked to their identities. In Part II, the author uses current developmental frameworks to outline a developmental equality model in legal and public policy contexts. Finally, In Part III, Dowd explores strategies to implement her comprehensive model, “A New Deal for Children,” to support equality for all children for future generations. …