Young Children's Preferences: Gender, Race, and Social Status

Abstract In this article, I consider how two aspects of society—social categories (in particular, gender and race) and social status—guide young children's preferences. Research on children's social categories reveals that gender-based social preferences emerge earlier than race-based preferences. Recent studies also show that children are attuned to social status, and the association of race with status differences could explain why race influences children's social preferences. I conclude with questions and suggestions for research.