African American Children, Families, and Neighborhoods: Qualitative Contributions to Understanding Developmental Pathways.

This article considers how qualitative data can broaden current perspectives on child development. Focusing specifically on the experiences of impoverished African American children, existing studies are used to highlight the importance of contextual and family factors on developmental processes and trajectories. Findings from the qualitative data are also used to suggest policy and programmatic strategies grounded in the everyday experiences of families and children.