Global Impacts on Childhood Social Development

This compelling and readable book brings hope and guidance to the crucial task of building brighter futures for children in these turbulent times. Grounded in developmental theory and research on trauma, risk, and resilience, this volume highlights growing evidence on multisystem threats to child development and the multisystem strategies needed to counteract them. Drawing on research spanning multiple disciples, the authors identify practical ways to reduce risk and promote positive development in a world of increasing uncertainty and existential hazards for children everywhere. An illuminating resource for scholars, students, practitioners, and policymakers. -Ann S. Masten, PhD, Regents Professor Emerita of Child Development, University of Minnesota, and author of Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development (2nd ed., 2025) The threats posed by climate change, conflict, and social inequity to the physical and psychological well-being of children are the scourge of our times. Dr. Charles Oberg and Hopewell R. Hodges provide a comprehensive map of how children are impacted by these global threats and what we can do to prevent harm and help heal children in our communities. This is a must-read for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students who work on issues related to the well-being of refugee and immigrant children and families. -Saida M. Abdi, PhD, LICSW, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, University of Minnesota Charles Oberg and Hopewell Hodges have thoughtfully and painfully woven together descriptions of three existential threats to the health and development of children throughout the world. Their ability to engage the reader in considering the impact that human behavior and policy decisions have on future generations is both sobering and hopeful. I urge students, activists, policy makers and educators to read this textbook and make a commitment to engage in meaningful action to transform our collective behaviors in order to achieve a more hopeful and dynamic tomorrow. It is our individual and united responsibility to learn and think and act! -Ellen Benavides, MHA, Independent Health Policy Consultant In a world increasingly defined by existential challenges to the rights of children to optimal survival and development, Global Impacts on Childhood Social Development provides a uniquely comprehensive and cogent discourse to understand and respond to the converging polycrises of our time. Grounded in science, policy, and the principles of human rights, the authors illuminate the devastating effects of inaction, and—most importantly—chart a powerful course forward framed in the context of resilience, justice, and hope. This book is essential reading for anyone committed to building a sustainable and equitable future for all children. -Jeffrey Goldhagen, MD, MPH, Professor and Chief of the Division of Community and Social Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine-Jacksonville; President, International Society for Social Pediatrics and Community Health Global Impacts on Childhood Social Development is a valuable resource for advocates, educators, practitioners, and researchers, who are working with and for children to thrive. The scope and scale of this book creatively intertwines human and climate challenges impacting children’s livelihood with innovative responses to collectively engage communities to champion children’s rights and resilience. Through collaboration and reciprocity, the authors provide multiple possibilities for facing traumatic events, loss and displacements head on by centering children as our heart and soul. -Kristi Rudelius-Palmer, PhD, Human Rights Educators USA, Strategy Advisor & Director