Child and Youth Development in the 21st Century: African Perspectives

Child and youth development is shaped by a complex interplay of social, cultural, and global forces that influence how young people grow, adapt, and form their identities. While much of the existing research has been rooted in Global North perspectives, there is an increasing need to center the diverse and dynamic experiences of children and youth within African contexts. These experiences are not only grounded in local traditions and environments but are also shaped by broader forces such as globalization, technological change, and shifting socio-political landscapes. Child and Youth Development in the 21st Century: African Perspectives offers a timely and compelling exploration of these realities across the continent. Bringing together interdisciplinary insights, this book examines cognitive, emotional, social, and identity development while highlighting both challenges and opportunities facing Africa's young population. By bridging local knowledge with global perspectives, it provides a richer, more inclusive understanding of development in a rapidly changing world. Covering topics such as identity and intersectionality, psychosocial barriers to identity formation, and adolescent psychosocial development, intergenerational trauma, and youth (un)employment, this book is a fundamental academic resource for graduate and doctoral students, educators, child psychologists, social workers, youth development practitioners, international development organizations, policymakers, and more.