Date of Award:

5-1970

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Human Development and Family Studies

Department name when degree awarded

Family and Child Development

Committee Chair(s)

Don C. Carter

Committee

Don C. Carter

Committee

Carroll Lambert

Committee

Jay A. Monson

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine children's perceptions of social situations as these are related to the social environment in which the child lives, and to investigate the influence of social class upon their perceptions.

An oral picture test, consisting of seven pictures, was administered to 60 fourth grade children in two Ogden, Utah, public schools.

The findings of this study are that there are differences between middle and lower class children, but not between boys and girls, in their perceptions of their social environment. Middle class children were shown to be more positive in their social environment. Middle class children were shown to be more positive in their general outlook towards life, and lower class children are found to have tendencies toward a more negative perception of life.

The conclusions are that social class does influence children's perceptions of their social environment, and the most favorable life circumstances for the lower class child seem to be those which are encountered in relationship with siblings. Also, there is need for concern about the image of the peace officer in the minds of children in both social classes, and about the lower class child's perception of the teacher in the classroom.

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