Abstract
Various studies have indicated that children’s preferences are biased towards those who have more resources
or who are considered more fortunate than others. Little is known, however, about whether this preference translates to
a moral assessment of the character of those with more or less resources. Our study included 46 children aged four to
five. We asked participants to indicate their preference for the richer and the poorer in desirable resources. We also asked
them to attribute the moral character of the moral agent or moral recipient. The children revealed a strong bias towards
the advantaged character. Not only did they prefer him as a future friend, they also attributed morally positive social roles
to him.
Go to article
Authors and Affiliations
Katarzyna Myślińska-Szarek