Adolescents thinking on economic inequality: Expanding the discussion beyond the Global North

Abstract

Developmental psychologists have become increasingly interested in adolescents’ thinking on economic inequality. Not surprisingly, most of this research has been conducted with samples from the United States, a paradigmatic example of a Global North region. It is therefore a potentially restrictive approach, given the diversity of manifestations of inequality around the world. In this work, we draw on data on adolescent thinking on social inequality in the Global North alongside comparable emerging data from Argentina, and consider similarities and differences, as well as possible associations between young people’s thinking and experiences with the different ways in which economic inequality can be expressed. Finally, we conclude by reflecting on how the analyses conducted here can inform the agenda of developmental psychologists.