Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
Over ons Faculteit Gedrags- en Maatschappijwetenschappen

Colloquium Sociology: Adam Rutland, Biased based social exclusion and inclusion amongst children and adolescents

Wanneer:wo 16-01-2013 16:00 - 17:00

January 16, 2013, 16:00-17:15:
Adam Rutland (Goldsmiths, University of London): Biased based social exclusion and inclusion amongst children and adolescents

Social exclusion and inclusion within peer groups is an everyday experience of children and adolescents. In this talk I am interested in social exclusion based upon biased attitudes and group identities (e.g. ethnic or gender based social exclusion). Evidence suggest that his form of social exclusion develops early in childhood and continues into adolescence with many negative psychological and behavioral consequences. I will describe research showing the develop of intergroup attitudes, intragroup attitudes and friendships that can lead to social exclusion in childhood. I will present research suggesting that children's understanding of social exclusion and their attitudes and behaviors towards those from other social groups develop through a dynamic interplay between morality, group norms and group identity. On a positive note, I will also describe research indicating that intergroup factors and group identity can be mobilized to promote attitudes and friendships that should facilitate social inclusion.

Adam Rutland is a developmental psychologist who conducts research into social-cognitive development. He has held academic positions at the University of Surrey, University of Aberdeen, and Kent University. His research interests include development of intergroup attitudes and prejudice in childhood (i.e. intergroup social exclusion), reduction of prejudice via intergroup contact in childhood, development of group dynamics, group norms and morality in children and adolescents (i.e. intragroup social exclusion), and cross-ethnic friendships, acculturation and psychological well-being in children and adolescents. He has published in high impact journals such as Child Development and Perspectives on Psychological Science.