Shouldering childhood : early behavioural traits and discrimination concerns
Rubio Cabañez, Maria (Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics)
Serrano Serrat, Josep (Universidad Carlos III de Madrid)
Centre d'Estudis Demogràfics

Date:	2025
Abstract:	This study examines how childhood emotions, traits, and behaviours influence concerns about gender inequality and racism in young adulthood. Drawing on the social psychology and social science literature, it examines whether childhood behavioural traits measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) influence concerns about discrimination. Using the Growing Up in Ireland longitudinal dataset, the study shows that, among native males, internalizing behaviours in childhood (such as loneliness and frequent worry) correlate positively with later concerns about discrimination, while externalizing behaviours (such as strong temperament and impulsivity) show a negative correlation. Finally, native males with stronger prosocial traits are more concerned about racism. However, for females and foreigners-social groups that are typically discriminated against-these associations are not statistically significant. The results suggest that childhood behavioural traits shape political attitudes before political preferences crystallize and underscore the importance of understanding the developmental origins of discrimination concerns.
Rights:	Aquest material està protegit per drets d'autor i/o drets afins. Podeu utilitzar aquest material en funció del que permet la legislació de drets d'autor i drets afins d'aplicació al vostre cas. Per a d'altres usos heu d'obtenir permís del(s) titular(s) de drets.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió acceptada per publicar
Subject:	Discrimination Concerns ; Behavioural Traits ; Childhood ; Political ; Preferences
Published in:	European Sociological Review, Vol. 41 Núm. 5 (October 2025) , ISSN 1468-2672

DOI: 10.1093/esr/jcaf042

Postprint 62 p, 1.4 MB

The record appears in these collections:
Research literature > UAB research groups literature > Research Centres and Groups (research output) > Social and Legal Sciences > Centre for Demographic Studies (CED-CERCA)
Articles > Research articles
Articles > Published articles