Rethinking College Student Development Theory Using Critical Frameworks

Elisa S Abes editor Susan R Jones editor D-L Stewart editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Inc

Published:31st Jul '19

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Rethinking College Student Development Theory Using Critical Frameworks cover

A major new contribution to college student development theory, this book brings "third wave" theories to bear on this vitally important topic.

The first section includes a chapter that provides an overview of the evolution of student development theories as well as chapters describing the critical and poststructural theories most relevant to the next iteration of student development theory. These theories include critical race theory, queer theory, feminist theories, intersectionality, decolonizing/indigenous theories, and crip theories. These chapters also include a discussion of how each theory is relevant to the central questions of student development theory.

The second section provides critical interpretations of the primary constructs associated with student development theory. These constructs and their related ideas include resilience, dissonance, socially constructed identities, authenticity, agency, context, development (consistency/coherence/stability), and knowledge (sources of truth and belief systems). Each chapter begins with brief personal narratives on a particular construct; the chapter authors then re-envision the narrative’s highlighted construct using one or more critical theories.

The third section will focus on implications for practice. Specifically, these chapters will consider possibilities for how student development constructs re-envisioned through critical perspectives can be utilized in practice.

The primary audience for the book is faculty members who teach in graduate programs in higher education and student affairs and their students. The book will also be useful to practitioners seeking guidance in working effectively with students across the convergence of multiple aspects of identity and development.

"Framing development through the lens of emancipation will forever shift graduate preparation and professional practice in student affairs. Abes, Jones, Stewart, and chapter authors have transformed the theoretical foundation of student affairs into a more complex and liberatory understanding of student development, and for that I am eternally grateful."

Jason C. Garvey, Associate Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration - University of Vermont

"The field has been waiting for this book. It brings together in one place a host of the most thoughtful scholars working in, with, and through critical frameworks in student development theory. On their own, each chapter offers valuable insight; the volume as a whole takes the reader into the latest thinking using critical theory to understand and work with college students."

Kristen A. Renn, Professor of Higher, Adult, & Lifelong Education, and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for Student Success Research - Michigan State University

"This book is exactly what we need to push our thinking about student development theory forward. As a field, we have been stymied for some time around SDT, and the authors of this book give permission for educators to pursue new and different questions and practices through critical and post-structural lenses. I am excited to use this text in my courses and have already been inspired by the authors’ ideas to create new assignments pushing students to better integrate critical praxis in their work as student affairs educators."

Chris Linder, Assistant Professor, Higher Education - University of Utah

"My read of Rethinking College Student Development Theory Using Critical Frameworks generated one thought: "It’s about time!" This must-read volume is a major contribution to the field of student affairs. The editors have assembled a book that not only unpacks and acknowledges the vast complexities that shape students’ college experiences, but also raises educators’ critical consciousness in translating theory to practice. This book should be required reading in graduate programs, especially within advanced student development theory courses."

Lori Patton Davis, Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs and Chair, Department of Educational Studies - The Ohio State University

ISBN: 9781620367636

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 521g

298 pages