Preschool children's attention to environmental messages about groups: social categorization and the origins of intergroup bias

Child Dev. 2006 Jul-Aug;77(4):847-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8624.2006.00906.x.

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the effects of adults' labeling and use of social groups on preschool children's intergroup attitudes. Children (N=87, aged 3-5) attending day care were given measures of classification skill and self-esteem and assigned to membership in a novel ("red" or "blue") social group. In experimental classrooms, teachers used the color groups to label children and organize the classroom. In control classrooms, teachers ignored the color groups. After 3 weeks, children completed multiple measures of intergroup attitudes. Results indicated that children in both types of classrooms developed ingroup-biased attitudes. As expected, children in experimental classrooms showed greater ingroup bias on some measures than children in control classrooms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention*
  • Child Day Care Centers
  • Child, Preschool
  • Communication*
  • Environment*
  • Ethnicity / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Individuality
  • Male
  • Prejudice*
  • Rejection, Psychology
  • Self Concept
  • Social Desirability
  • Social Identification*
  • Sociometric Techniques