Antecedents to Socioeconomic Stereotypes in Children Ages 6 - 10

Abstract

This study examines how children between the ages of six and ten perceive differences between rich and poor characters. Subjects read two biographical sketches about two strangers, one who was depicted as poor and one who was depicted as rich. Subjects then answered questions asking them to compare the two strangers on character traits. Subjects then answered questions that determined if they liked one stranger more than the other. Results showed that children perceived differences based on wealth for questions relating to effort and well-being. Subjects perceived the poor character as trying harder and working harder while they perceived the rich character as having better looks, feeling better about themselves, being healthier and being happier. In addition, there were significant age differences on two questions relating to intelligence. Nine and ten year old subjects perceived the poor stranger as spending money more wisely and planning for the future more. Six and seven year old subjects did not perceive a difference between the two strangers for these questions. These results are compared to previous research in both children and adults. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.