Studies

Learn more about our current and past studies:

Research Overview

Our research in the DICE lab is based on two premises: 1. People are active contributors to their own development as well as to the development of the societies in which they live. 2. Contemporary Western societies have pervasive and persistent social inequalities that are based on historical systems (e.g., racism, sexism) that give advantages to some members of society and marginalize others based on their membership in various groups.

My research brings these two ideas together to assert that people can do something about those inequalities. I am most curious about young people and what helps them engage in contribution behaviors that promote equity among all members of society and justice for those who are marginalized. What kinds of knowledge about themselves (e.g., identity development) and their society (e.g., civic development) promotes young people’s engagement in justice-oriented contribution behaviors? What kinds of life experiences facilitate these identity and civic development processes (e.g., relationships with adults and peers who might be role models)? And, lastly, how might these behaviors, processes, and associated life experiences be different for youth who benefit from at least some of the systems of power and privilege that operate in the societies where they live (e.g., White youth, and young men)?