Vulnerability and resiliency implications of human capital and linked inequality presence denial perspectives: Acknowledging Zigler's contributions to child well-being

Abstract

Edward Zigler's groundbreaking research on child development resulted in the historic Head Start program. It is useful to examine the theoretical implications of his work by applying a human development theoretical perspective. Phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory (PVEST) is a strengths-based theoretical framework that engages the variability of resource access and coping strategies that promote positive identity development for diverse children. While skill acquisition is a key focus of human capital theory's engagement of early childhood needs, this article highlights the on-going status of human vulnerability that undergirds identity development over the life course. The authors note that “inequality presence denial” combines with high-risk contexts, framed by geography and psychohistoric moments (e.g., The Great Recession, COVID-19), to alter diverse children's developmental pathways. The acknowledgement of “morbid risk” motivates the urgency for research that builds upon Zigler's innovations and privileges human development imperatives. The case study explores these concepts by examining the challenges and assets available to mothers in a low-income community. The article's closing notes developments in the field of economics that ameliorate human capital theory's conceptual limitations, underscoring human development's theoretical strength in motivating research and policies that are maximally responsive to children's positive identity development.

Acknowledging Bias and Pursuing Protections to Support Anti-Racist Developmental Science: Critical Contributions of Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory

“…Also ignored-and functioning either as a reactive coping method or specific outcome from a PVEST perspective-is the problem of "inequality presence denial" (Nichols Lodato et al, 2021;Spencer et al, 2019). Its status, proliferation and protection by traditional scientific strategies, particularly developmental science, is highly effective.…”

“…Scholarly "customs" too frequently "other" youth of color by (a) communicating assumptions of group homogeneity (e.g., pathology/problem assumptions); (b) associating and anticipating "delinquent orientations" as outcomes manifested under unequally resourced conditions; (c) omitting the reality and viability of social and cultural capital as resources historically used for productive reactive coping among oppressed peoples; and (d) failing to recognize behavioral orientations and outcomes that are associated with long-term demonstrations of resilience and thriving under conditions of systemic racism (i.e., assets and protective factors are ignored). The professional habit of "inequality presence denial" deepens and facilitates racism's impact and persistency given the imposed invisibility and ease of deniability (Nichols Lodato et al, 2021;Spencer et al, 2019).…”

“…Thus, it is not surprising that for many of America's citizens, the formal recognition of Juneteenth as a federal holiday on June 19, 2021, implied admitting to the long-term oppression of People of Color. As a fact, Juneteenth's significance was unknown to many Black and White communities, thus encouraging inequality presence denial for Whites (see Nichols Lodato et al, 2021;Spencer et al, 2019). At the same time for Blacks, it was a missed benefit for cultural socialization opportunities (e.g., Stevenson, 1997).…”

Contributions to inclusive and impactful development and psychopathology science: interrogating ecology-linked vulnerability and resilience opportunities

“…As interrogated for an educated and generally economically secure society (i.e., although generally considered a young nation)when compared across the globethe patterned fact of high vulnerability for some societal members is troubling in its persistence (Spencer 2006(Spencer , 2008. As well, the persistence of "inequality presence denial" is, at minimum, a policy, social and health practice problem (Nichols Lodato et al, 2021;Spencer, 2021). The label suggests a motivated forgetfulness to acknowledge the fact of citizens' uneven access to resources and supports (Spencer et al, 2019;Nichols Lodato et al, 2021;Spencer, 2021).…”

“…As well, the persistence of "inequality presence denial" is, at minimum, a policy, social and health practice problem (Nichols Lodato et al, 2021;Spencer, 2021). The label suggests a motivated forgetfulness to acknowledge the fact of citizens' uneven access to resources and supports (Spencer et al, 2019;Nichols Lodato et al, 2021;Spencer, 2021). As an insulting pretense, "inequality presence denial" serves as an additional source of risk and challenge and matters for all humans sharing space.…”