Developmental science research sheds new light on the origins of discrimination, social exclusion

This special section, edited by Dr. Melanie Killen, Dr. Adam Rutland, and Dr. Tiffany Yip, begins with an affirmation that "the fair and equitable treatment of individuals has been a core value of humanity..." and an overview of previous research on children's development in light of this set of issues. It goes on to present novel research findings on children's experiences of discrimination, how discrimination impacts development, discrimination in schools and neighborhoods, and suggestions for future research directions for a variety of disciplines, including cognitive neuroscience and behavioral economics.

Highlights of the many new findings reported in the papers in the special section include that:

• As they age adolescents judge race-based humor as more acceptable.
• Children as young as 4 and 5 associate race with wealth status but also rectify social inequalities
• Social exclusion activates the same brain regions as experiencing physical pain or harm.
• Discrimination in middle school impacts developmental outcomes 2 years later

Journalists interested in speaking with any of the editors of the special section listed above or gaining access to the complete special section of Child Development should contact Hannah Klein.

SRCD was established in 1933 by the National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences. The Society's goals are to advance interdisciplinary research in child development and to encourage applications of research findings. Its membership of more than 5,700 scientists is representative of the various disciplines and professions that contribute to knowledge of child development.