Children and Prejudice (Social psychology & society)

by A B O U D (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1988

  $4.79

  Prejudice and, in particular, ethnic awareness in children is a controversial topic, arousing strong opinions in professionals and parents. Many liberal-minded researchers would like to think children in the right environment will be free from prejudice. As this book shows, the evidence is that because of their cognitive limitations, children are almost inevitably prejudiced up to the age of about seven. This has led to a literature on the subject which is too often self-serving or confused. Now, this book provides a complete up-to-date survey of the topic. It explains the conceptual and developmental differences between ethnic awareness, identity and attitudes. Scientific and lay theories are discussed and measured against recent findings. Her conclusions are that up to the age of about seven, children are almost inevitably prejudiced and that after that age their attitudes are open to influence. Parents and teachers have a key role to play in shaping childrens' outlook and behaviour.