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Study Reveals Kids' Early Preferences for Social Hierarchy

12/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New research in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General finds five-year-olds develop preferences for social hierarchy, affecting empathy toward lower-status groups.
The study conducted three experiments with children aged 5 to 12, examining group assignment and beliefs about status stability.
Children in low-status groups who believed status was unchangeable showed a stronger preference for hierarchy.
No gender differences in social dominance orientation appeared in childhood; divergence may occur later.

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Story summary

New research in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General finds five-year-olds develop preferences for social hierarchy, affecting empathy toward lower-status groups.
The study conducted three experiments with children aged 5 to 12, examining group assignment and beliefs about status stability.
Children in low-status groups who believed status was unchangeable showed a stronger preference for hierarchy.
No gender differences in social dominance orientation appeared in childhood; divergence may occur later.