The Diversity Paradox: Opportunities and Challenges of “Contact in Context” Across Development

As the United States diversifies, we review research on both the benefits and challenges of diversity in developmental science.  Taking a “contact in context” approach, we focus on how structural and interpersonal diversity influence ethnic/racial developmental processes and outcomes from early childhood to adolescence.  We also consider how a child’s own ethnicity/race may shape diversity experiences.  We offer this review with the ultimate goal of optimizing benefits and minimizing challenges.  We offer a “contact in context” conceptual model that integrates diversity at multiple levels, child ethnicity/race, and developmental changes over time.  We conclude with recommendations for future research.