Effect of political socialisation on children: Quasi-experimental study with Argentinian children

DEBORA IMHOFF; BRUSSINO, SILVINA

Revista Infancia y Aprendizaje

Routledge. Taylor & Fancis

Año: 2019 p. 1 - 29

1578-4126

This study evaluates the effect that two experiences of political socialisation had on different psychosocial and psycho-political variables (social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, attitudes towards equality, socially-conscious behaviour, empathy, attitude towards unfair behaviour by authorities, sociopolitical participation) in children in the city of Córdoba (Argentina). Specifically, it analyses the effect of participation in a social organisation that promotes citizen education (study 1), and participation in the Alternative Political Socialisation Programme (APSP) (study 2) created for this research. Likewise, a comparative analysis of both experiences was performed (study 3). Children aged 10 and 11 participated in the experiences. A quasi-experimental design was used with a pre- and post-test, along with a quasi-control group. The results suggest a significant effect in the variables studied based on participation in these experiences, with differences according to the kind of programme. The study underscores the importance of designing alternative political socialisation mechanisms geared at citizen training in childhood.