List of figures and tables; Preface; 1 Introduction to the issues; Introduction Common themes Stage-wise theories in growth Major determinants of development The construction of the social world Some methodological issues Conclusion; 2 Politics and government; Introduction Political attitudes Political knowledge Stages of development Political socialization Conclusion; 3 Economies and trade; Introduction The acquisition of specific economics concepts Developmental stages in the acquisition of economic concepts Economic socialization and education Conclusion; 4 Work and employment; Introduction Attitudes to school, work and employment Youth unemployment Knowledge of different occupations Vocational choices Stage-wise theories Conclusion; Sex and gender; Introduction Sex Differentiation Sex-role and gender attitudes and knowledge Socialization into sex roles: family influences School influences on gender understanding Other influences Adolescent sexuality Conclusion; 6 Religion and spiritual matters; Introduction Young people’s religious beliefs Infancy and childhood understanding of religion Adolescent beliefs and understandings The socialization and counter-socialization of religion Conclusion; 7 Race, color and prejudice; Introduction Understanding of skin color Racial attitudes and preferences Socialization Direct interracial contact Racial prejudice Conclusion; 8 Law and justice; Introduction Developmental perspectives and stage-wise models Attitudes to law enforcement and crime Conclusion; 9 Social class and stratification; Introduction Developmental trends and stage-wise theories Social differences Uses of stratification information Conclusion; 10 Conclusion; Introduction The structure of social attitudes to society What determines the extent of young people’s knowledge The growth of understanding: stage-wise theories The socialization of understanding; References; Name index; Subject index