Patterns of Prosocial Reasoning in Indian Children
Author(s)
Chadha, Neerja; Misra, Girishwar
Abstract
Prosocial reasoning of 5 to 13-year-old Indian children (N= 167), belonging to low/high socioeconomic strata, was investigated through individual interviews seeking responses to vignettes depicting prosocial dilemmas. Children’s prosocial reasoning was characterized primarily by concern for physical needs of others, hedonistic considerations, orientation to affectional relationship, stereotypes of a good/bad person or behaviour, and internalized norms and values orientation. With age, hedonistic and stereotypic reasoning decreased while orientation to others’ needs, mutual gain, and internalized norms/values increased. Prosocial reasoning of boys and girls did not differ significantly, though there were some SES differences. Distinctive responses reflecting some unique features of the Indian culture were also noted. The results are discussed in the context of sociocultural influences and the proximal environmental circumstances of social living.
