Patterson Meagan M
Department of Educational Psychology, University of Kansas , Lawrence , Kansas , USA.
J Genet Psychol. 2019 Jul-Aug;180(4-5):231-250. doi: 10.1080/00221325.2019.1635077. Epub 2019 Jul 13.
Despite the importance of political engagement, the topic has been the subject of little empirical research in developmental psychology, particularly with preadolescent samples. As a commonly available and developmentally appropriate source of media messages, picture books may inform young children about politics and influence their political engagement and aspirations. This study presents a content analysis of all books included on best sellers list for children's picture books from 2012 to 2017. Books were reviewed for depictions of political issues, political processes, political leaders, symbols associated with politics or political leadership, and government employees. Nearly half of the books in the sample included at least one instance of politically relevant content. Relatively few books included depictions of political issues or processes. More books contained depictions of political leaders. Democratic leaders represented were predominantly historical figures, and were largely men and White. Relative to democratic leaders, monarchical leaders were more likely to be girls or women and to be children and were less likely to engage in political processes or decisions. The findings suggest that although many picture books contain some politically relevant content, picture books represent a missed opportunity for many aspects of political socialization.
尽管政治参与很重要，但该主题在发展心理学领域的实证研究却很少，尤其是针对青春期前儿童样本的研究。作为一种常见且适合儿童发展阶段的媒体信息来源，图画书可能会让幼儿了解政治，并影响他们的政治参与度和政治抱负。本研究对2012年至2017年儿童图画书畅销书排行榜上的所有书籍进行了内容分析。对书籍中有关政治问题、政治进程、政治领袖、与政治或政治领导相关的符号以及政府雇员的描绘进行了审查。样本中近一半的书籍至少包含一个与政治相关的内容实例。相对较少的书籍包含对政治问题或进程的描绘。更多的书籍包含对政治领袖的描绘。所呈现的民主领袖主要是历史人物，且大多为男性和白人。相对于民主领袖，君主制领袖更有可能是女孩或女性，并且是儿童，他们参与政治进程或决策的可能性较小。研究结果表明，尽管许多图画书包含一些与政治相关的内容，但图画书在政治社会化的许多方面却是一个被错失的机会。
