Heterogeneity in Research on African American Boys and Men: Focusing on Resilience, Social Networks, and Community Violence

Prior research has informed policymakers and practitioners of racial biases and consequences of structural conditions that disproportionately affect African American males relative to white males, but there is now a need to move beyond simple race dichotomies and place greater emphasis on within-group diversity and positive life outcomes. We highlight three areas in previous research that have potential for advancing understanding of well-being among black men and boys. These include (1) a shift from deficit-focused approaches toward an emphasis on resilience, (2) greater focus on the characteristics and influences of family and other social networks, and (3) a socio-cultural perspective on community violence and trauma. We briefly review research in these areas and discuss the role that adaptive racial socialization plays in each. Based on these findings we provide suggestions for future research.