From naturals to strivers: How stereotypes in social and moral dimensions change with age to drive children's preference development

Abstract

Children observe some people succeed through natural talent (naturals), whereas others succeed through sustained effort (strivers). Children's preference for naturals or strivers may influence the people they admire and choose as role models and may have implications for their social judgment and achievement development. However, little is known about how children's preferences for naturals versus strivers develop and the factors that explain these preferences. We examined the development of preferences for naturals versus strivers among 221 Han Chinese children (5.06–11.99 years, 114 girls), as well as associations with external perceptions of naturals and strivers (warmth, competence, and morality) and internal self-cognitions (self-concept and mindset). Results revealed an age-related pattern in children's preferences, with younger children tending to prefer naturals and a preference for strivers observed from ages 7–8 onward. These preferences can be explained by the sociomoral value of effort (viewing strivers as warmer and less likely to free-ride). These results extend previous research on the instrumental value of effort and underscore the distinct roles of external stereotypes and internal self-­cognitions in shaping social preferences. This study can inform educators how to understand children's preferences for naturals versus strivers and the sociomoral significance of effort in daily interactions.