Negative Beliefs,Sentiments,and Discriminatory Behavior Toward Jews: A Developmental Review

Abstract

In the first such review to our knowledge, we analyze 85 studies conducted since World War II addressing how cognitive, affective, and behavioral biases against Jewish people take form in childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood; their implications for Jewish youth; influences on their development; and efforts to reduce them. Studies were concentrated in the Middle East and Western countries and used a wide variety of methods. Although many studies have significant theoretical or methodological limitations, others are quite strong. Collectively, this work highlights the foundational roles of social categorization and labeling, ingroup-outgroup dynamics, and essentialist thinking. Across development, knowledge of Jews is limited and replete with misconceptions. Common negative stereotypes increase with age, as do negative attitudes and antisemitic behaviors, which are increasingly interrelated with anti-Israel sentiment among emerging adults. Jewish children and youth are well aware of and concerned about anti-Jewish bias, but hesitant to call it out. Very little research has explored cultural, school, neighborhood, parent, peer, and media influences on children’s anti-Jewish bias. However, several studies point to its malleability through interventions focusing on social-cognitive and emotional skill building and positive contact with Jewish peers. Implications for future research, education, and policy are discussed.