4 Hidden Costs of Racism on Child Development: What Science Reveals

Despite advancements in developmental science, systemic racism remains a major barrier to equitable child development. Dr Stephanie Curenton and her colleagues developed a model that reveals how racism at every societal level—cultural, structural, interpersonal, and internalized—impacts racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) children. At the same time, REM families possess cultural strengths that foster resilience. What does this mean for the way we support children in overcoming systemic barriers?

A Closer Look At the Model

Dr. Curanton et al’s model highlights how racism affects children’s developmental ecosystem at 4 levels (this is not an exhaustive list):

1. Economic Stability and Security:
   Black families possess a fraction of the wealth held by White families, and Black children are 3 times more likely to grow up in poverty. The lack of financial resources impacts access to quality childcare, enriching extracurriculars, and safe neighborhoods. This financial insecurity perpetuates intergenerational cycles of disadvantage.

2. Neighborhood and Environmental Risks:
   Structural racism relegates racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) families to neighborhoods with environmental hazards such as lead exposure and air pollution, which directly impair children’s cognitive and physical health. Over half of Black and Hispanic children live in high-risk areas for lead poisoning, further compounding developmental vulnerabilities. Even low levels of lead exposure can result in developmental delays and lower academic performance.

3. Birth Outcomes:

   Structural racism contributes to disparities in birth outcomes for REM families, with Black women experiencing preterm birth rates 1.6 times higher than White women and an infant mortality rate more than double. Chronic racialized stress affects maternal health and uterine environments, leading to low birth weight and risks that span generations​.

4. Educational Inequities:
   Black preschoolers are 3.6 times more likely to be suspended than their White peers. Research demonstrates that implicit bias from educators, among other factors, is responsible for this statistic. These disparities in early discipline set the stage for continued educational inequities that limit lifetime opportunities.

In the same article, Prof. Jack Shonkoff highlights that exposure to racism triggers toxic stress, disrupting children’s brain development and immune responses. This makes REM children more vulnerable to chronic illnesses, poor mental health, and reduced academic outcomes throughout life​. One example shows that experiences of racism among Black boys have been linked with greater feelings of hopelessness.

You can also find out about the amazing work of Dr. Stephanie Curanton and her colleagues at Boston University’s Center on the Ecology of Development here.

My Insights: Recognizing Resilience

Dr. Curanton’s model isn’t just about identifying barriers—it also recognizes the resilience of racially and ethnically minoritized (REM) families. Cultural assets, such as strong kinship networks, aspirational values, and linguistic traditions, help families thrive despite systemic inequities. To support REM children, policies and practices must amplify these strengths while addressing structural inequities.

Key Takeaways for Practice

Dr. Curenton and her colleagues at the Center on the Ecology of Human Development (CEED) emphasize the critical role of storytelling in shaping children’s racial and cultural identity, highlighting the need to center diverse voices and experiences.

They stress that storytelling should validate the cultural and linguistic assets of marginalized communities, fostering inclusivity, equity, and resilience in children. By incorporating culturally responsive narratives into books and curricula, storytelling creates a safe and empowering space for learning, enhancing children’s academic engagement and psychosocial development while equipping them to navigate societal inequities. You can find CEED’s curated book lists here:

• Reimagine Policy: Address poverty with targeted interventions like wealth-building programs, expanded tax credits, and racial wage equity initiatives.

• Focus on Early Education: Invest in culturally responsive training for teachers and equitable access to high-quality early education.

• Environmental Justice: Prioritize community investment to mitigate environmental risks in historically underserved neighborhoods.

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This exploration of topics in early childhood is for anyone with a deep interest in development, education, technology, and media. Whether you're a philanthropist, educator, partner, or practitioner, there’s valuable insight here for you. Together, we can collaborate, learn, and make a lasting impact.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. I’m excited to continue this exploration with you.

Tanyella Allison Leta