Development of Competitive Behaviors in Anglo-American and Mexican-American Children

Abstract

Social behaviors of Anglo-American and Mexican-American boys and girls of 5 to 6 and 7 to 9 yr. were assessed using 6 two-person choice cards. Concern for absolute gains was an overriding motive for all children. In the absence of the possibility of absolute gains, significant cultural and age differences were observed: Anglo-American and older children more often chose to give their peers fewer rewards than did Mexican-American and younger children. The cultural differences increased with age. The observed cultural difference could not be attributed to economic level and contrary to the conclusions of previous research, was probably related to concern for relative gains, not rivalry.