Children's developing understanding of economic inequality and their place within it. (23rd March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dickinson, Julie; Leman, Patrick J.; Easterbrook, Matthew J.
• Is Part Of: British journal of developmental psychology. Volume 41:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 98
• Publication Date: 2023-03-23
• Subjects: adolescents -- children -- economic inequality -- explanations -- moral reasoning -- social processes -- socialization -- understanding; Developmental psychology -- Periodicals; 155
• DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12446
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0261-510X

Abstract

Abstract: Income inequality is growing in many parts of the world and, for the poorest children in a society, is associated with multiple, negative, developmental outcomes. This review of the research literature considers how childrens' and adolescents' understanding of economic inequality changes with age. It highlights shifts in conceptual understanding (from 'having and not having', to social structural and moral explanations), moral reasoning and the impact of the agents of socialization from parents to the media and cultural norms and discourses. It also examines how social processes affect judgements and the importance of an emerging sense of self in relation to questions of economic inequality. Finally, the review covers methodological considerations and suggests pathways for future research.