Center for Social Development, Applied Developmental Science at

Background

What is social development, and how does the work of CSD reflect applied developmental science? Social development focuses on the growth and capacity building of individuals, families, communities, and societies, somewhat in contrast to the traditional social welfare focus on maintenance and problem solving. Social development is a large umbrella, under which a wide range of academic and applied discussions are intermingled. These include enhancing development and capabilities, improving social functioning and intergroup relations, creating responsive institutions, generating initiatives to increase individual and group participation, and more (Beverly & Sherraden, 1997). Social development is a multilevel, interdisciplinary enterprise. It often includes elements of economic development, but it goes beyond a purely economic focus that has characterized much of “international development” and “development studies.” Social development is a term that arose in “developing” countries, but today is being applied in “developed” nations, building a knowledge base and applying lessons across this arbitrary divide (Midgley, 1995).

CSD approaches the study of social development from an applied developmental science (ADS) perspective. As an applied-research institution, CSD implements theoretically driven inquiry, examining structures and effects of social interventions. ADS is known for contextually based research, maintaining connections to program innovation and policy—and CSD makes these connections.

CSD studies program and policy innovations that have the potential to produce multiple positive effects. The predominant problem focus of the social sciences has led to research that often seeks to explain negative effects or situations. CSD takes a different tack in creating theories and interventions that may explain and produce positive results. Given limited resources, this approach may be more productive and efficient for applied social research.

Selected Projects, Products, and Impacts

CSD has a multipurpose agenda, encompassing social theory, research, policy innovation, projects in the community, teaching, and information resources. CSD connects academic and applied interests and builds bridges between public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Both academic excellence and real-world involvement are emphasized. CSD's work spans five arenas of social development: (1) investing in people to increase participation in the economy and involvement in society; (2) promoting strong communities, active citizenship, mutuality, and interracial harmony; (3) creating responsive and effective human service and community development organizations; (4) working on policies, state and federal, that may enhance social development; and (5) working transnationally and internationally on interventions that span national boundaries. Below, to illustrate CSD's work, selected projects, products, and impacts are presented.