Philanthropic Tales: A Critical Analysis of How Philanthropic Citizenship Is Represented in Children's Picture-Books -- Problems and Possibilities

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  • Author(s): Body, Alison (ORCID Body, Alison (ORCID 0000-0003-0421-5159); Lacny, Jayne
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Education, Citizenship and Social Justice. Jul 2023 18(2):182-196.
  • Publication Date:
    2023
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Information Analyses
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://sagepub.com
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      15
    • Subject Terms:
      Private Financial Support; Childrens Literature; Picture Books; Citizenship; Content Analysis; Western Civilization; Social Responsibility; Prosocial Behavior; Social Justice; Socioeconomic Influences; Political Attitudes; Conservation (Environment); Ideology; Economic Factors; Stereotypes; Child Development; Learning Processes; Cultural Pluralism; Moral Values
    • Accession Number:
      10.1177/17461979211061798
    • ISSN:
      1746-1979
      1746-1987
    • Abstract:
      In this article we critically question how philanthropic citizenship is represented within children's literature. Critical content analysis of over 100 western children's picture-books reveals that the majority of children's contemporary literature frames philanthropy as an individual act of personal responsibility which takes place in the private sphere, focusing on singular acts of kindness and generosity, overlooking connections between the cause and wider societal socioeconomic, political, environmental and/or social justice issues. Furthermore, many stories reinforce concerning traditional and stereotypical ideas of gender, race and power. Nonetheless, we also identify several books which notably seek to move beyond this, connecting acts of philanthropy to wider ideological, economic and political factors, placing a strong emphasis on social justice. In conclusion, we call for further research to explore how philanthropic stories are used within the home and classroom, and what children interpret as the 'good philanthropic citizen' through these stories.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2023
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1380087