Critical consciousness is the ability to critically analyse societal inequities and to develop the motivation and agency to promote social change. While there has been a proliferation of empirical work on critical consciousness over the last two decades, this is the first volume to consider how we can support youth's critical consciousness development – their ability to recognize and fight injustice. Leading scholars address some of the field's most urgent questions: How does critical consciousness develop? What are the key developmental settings (such as homes, schools, community programs) and societal experiences (racism, policy brutality, immigration, political turmoil) that inform critical consciousness development among youth? Providing novel insights into key school-based, out-of-school-based, and societal contexts that propel youth to greater critical reflection and action, this book will benefit scholars and students in developmental, educational, and community psychology, as well as practitioners working in schools, community-based organizations, and other youth settings.

‘This groundbreaking book pushes the field by articulating how educators, youth workers, and others can foster critical consciousness across disparate contexts and social identities. By carefully attending to contexts, practices, and possibilities, this volume contributes novel and important ideas about ‘the hows’ of critical consciousness.’

Matt Diemer - University of Michigan, USA

‘Scholars in this volume advance theory and practice on critical consciousness, how youth (and adults who listen and advocate for them) become aware of injustice and take action to disrupt it. Read and join them in imagining and creating a more just world.’

Constance Flanagan - University of Wisconsin, USA