Stories of Service: Public Service in the Children's Literature of the United States and Great Britain

In: Politics & policy: a publication of the Policy Studies Organization, Band 31, Heft 2, S. 195-214

Abstract

Formal civic education has dominated political socialization research recently as it has looked at the effects of events, schools, mass media, & families on the formation of political attitudes & opinions of children. However, books have been overlooked when considering the possible effect of mass media, & although controversial, children's literature has rarely been investigated systematically as to its political content. After conducting content analyses of 76 books & 1,202 adult characters, I conclude that British adult characters are portrayed as more competent & benevolent than US adult characters. I also find that British public servants are portrayed as more competent & benevolent than other British adult characters. 3 Tables, 1 Appendix, 52 References. Adapted from the source document.