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Piagetian View of Children's Political Reasoning and Cognition

Norman Butler

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Jean Piaget was a Swiss psychologist who developed a theory of cognitive development that has been widely influential in the field of psychology. Piaget's theory suggests that children's cognitive development progresses through a series of stages, each of which is characterized by different ways of thinking and understanding the world.

Political Reasoning and Cognition: A Piagetian View

by Mounira M. Charrad

4.7 out of 5

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Piaget's theory has been applied to the study of children's political reasoning and cognition. Researchers have found that children's political reasoning and cognition change as they progress through Piaget's stages of cognitive development.

Concrete Operational Stage (Ages 7-11)

During the concrete operational stage, children begin to think more logically and concretely. They are able to understand the concept of cause and effect, and they can reason about simple political concepts, such as the difference between a democracy and a dictatorship.

However, children in the concrete operational stage are still limited in their ability to think abstractly. They may have difficulty understanding complex political concepts, such as the role of government or the importance of civil rights.

Formal Operational Stage (Ages 12 and Up)

During the formal operational stage, children develop the ability to think abstractly and hypothetically. They can reason about complex political concepts, and they can understand the different perspectives of others.

Children in the formal operational stage are also more likely to be interested in politics and current events. They may participate in political discussions, and they may even have their own political opinions.

Conservatism and Liberalism

Piaget's theory of cognitive development has also been used to explain the development of political conservatism and liberalism. Researchers have found that children who are in the concrete operational stage are more likely to be conservative, while children who are in the formal operational stage are more likely to be liberal.

This is because children in the concrete operational stage are more likely to think in terms of black and white, and they are more likely to be authoritarian. Children in the formal operational stage, on the other hand, are more likely to think in shades of gray, and they are more likely to be tolerant of different viewpoints.

Political Socialization

Piaget's theory of cognitive development can also be used to explain the process of political socialization. Political socialization is the process by which children learn about politics and develop their own political beliefs.

Political socialization begins in the family. Children learn about politics from their parents, siblings, and other family members. They also learn about politics from school, the media, and their peers.

As children progress through Piaget's stages of cognitive development, they become more sophisticated in their understanding of politics. They also become more independent in their political thinking.

Piaget's theory of cognitive development has been a valuable tool for understanding children's political reasoning and cognition. Researchers have found that children's political reasoning and cognition change as they progress through Piaget's stages of cognitive development.

Piaget's theory has also been used to explain the development of political conservatism and liberalism, as well as the process of political socialization.

References

Piaget, J. (1954). The construction of reality in the child. New York: Basic Books.
Gilligan, C. (1982). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women's development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development. San Francisco: Harper & Row.

Political Reasoning and Cognition: A Piagetian View

by Mounira M. Charrad

4.7 out of 5