Social dominance orientation emerges in early childhood independent of parental socialization, new study suggests

Social dominance orientation emerges in early childhood independent of parental socialization, new study suggests

New research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General provides evidence that children as young as five years old develop preferences for social hierarchy that influence how they perceive inequality. This orientation toward social dominance appears to dampen empathy for lower-status groups and reduce the willingness to address unfair situations. The findings suggest that these beliefs can emerge early in development through co…