No Fair! Kids and Adults View Fairness Differently | LiveScience

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No Fair! Kids and Adults View Fairness Differently

By Rachael Rettner, LiveScience Staff Writer
posted: 27 May 2010 02:05 pm ET

What we consider "fair" changes as we age, a new study finds. Young children like all things to be equal, but older adolescents are more likely to consider merit when it comes to dividing up wealth, the researchers say. 

The shift from the "egalitarian" view of fairness to the more merit-based "meritocratic" view occurred largely between fifth and seventh grade, although it continued to change through high school, with seniors placing the most importance on achievement. 

This transition likely results both from changes in the brain as it develops, and from exposure to new social experiences as we age, the researchers say. For instance, children might participate in more and more activities in which a greater emphasis is placed on individual achievement as they grow up.

No Fair! Kids and Adults View Fairness Differently | LiveScience