Suchergebnisse

Formal civic education has dominated political socialization research recently as it has looked at the effects of events, schools, mass media, & families on the formation of political attitudes & opinions of children. However, books have been overlooked when considering the possible effect of mass media, & although controversial, children's literature has rarely been investigated systematically as to its political content. After conducting content analyses of 76 books & 1,202 adult characters, I conclude that British adult characters are portrayed as more competent & benevolent than US adult characters. I also find that British public servants are portrayed as more competent & benevolent than other British adult characters. 3 Tables, 1 Appendix, 52 References. Adapted from the source document.

Objective. Scholars who have investigated depictions of public service in children's literature have come to a mix of conclusions regarding the portrayal of public figures in children's literature. We revisit these studies, attempting to answer the question of how public servants are portrayed in children's literature. Methods. We perform content analysis of 93 books and examine 868 characters for benevolence and competence. Results. We find that public servants are portrayed as no more incompetent or malevolent than other adults in children's literature. On a few dimensions, we find just the opposite. Furthermore, we find that women in general are portrayed as more benevolent than men, although the same patterns are not found between sexes when examining only those in the public service. Conclusions. If children are developing negative stereotypes of government officials and institutions, these stereotypes do not appear to be formed through their reading of children's literature.

Objective. We revisit earlier studies investigating depictions of public service in children's literature, attempting to answer the question of how public servants are portrayed. Methods. We perform content analysis of 93 books & examine 868 characters for benevolence & competence. Results. We find that public servants are portrayed as no more incompetent or malevolent than other adults in children's literature. On a few dimensions, we find just the opposite. Women in general are portrayed as more benevolent than men, although the same patterns are not found between sexes when examining only those in the public service. Conclusions. If children are developing negative stereotypes of government officials & institutions, these stereotypes do not appear to be formed through their reading of children's literature. 4 Tables, 1 Figure, 1 Appendix, 20 References. Adapted from the source document.