Shouldering Childhood: Early Behavioral Traits and Discrimination Concerns

This study examines how childhood emotions, traits, and behaviors influence concerns about gender inequality and racism in young adulthood. Drawing on the social psychology and social science literature, it examines whether childhood behavioral traits measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) influence concerns about discrimination. Using the Growing Up in Ireland longitudinal dataset, the study shows that internalizing behaviors in childhood (such as loneliness and frequent worry) correlate positively with later concerns about discrimination, while externalizing behaviors (such as strong temperament and impulsivity) show a negative correlation. When analyzing whether the results are socially stratified, we show that they are more pronounced for native males. The results suggest that childhood experiences shape political attitudes before political preferences crystallize and underscore the importance of understanding the developmental origins of discrimination concerns.