How to Explain Privilege to Kids: An Age-by-age Guide

I. Introduction

Privilege is a word that has become increasingly prevalent in discussions around inequality and social justice. But what exactly does it mean? Simply put, privilege refers to the advantages and benefits that certain groups of people have based on their race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other factors. These advantages can be both tangible, such as access to better education and healthcare, and intangible, such as societal assumptions about their abilities and worth.

It’s important to have discussions about privilege, even with children, as it helps to build awareness and understanding of the ways in which our society is structured. By acknowledging and discussing privilege, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.

In this blog post, we’ll explore different ways in which parents can explain privilege to their children, including age-appropriate language and examples. We’ll also discuss the importance of teaching children about privilege and the potential impact it can have on their worldview and interactions with others.

II. What is Privilege?

Privilege is a concept that refers to unearned advantages and benefits that some individuals or groups receive due to their social status, characteristics, or background. These advantages can take many forms, such as greater access to resources, opportunities, and societal power. Privilege can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, and socioeconomic status.

Different types of privilege

There are different types of privilege, and they intersect in complex ways.

• Racial privilege

One of the most commonly discussed types of privilege is racial privilege. This refers to the advantages that people of certain races receive due to systemic racism and discrimination in society. For example, white people in Western countries often have easier access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare than people of color. They also benefit from greater representation in media and politics, and are less likely to face negative stereotypes and bias.

• Gender privilege

Gender privilege is another type of privilege that refers to the advantages that men receive in patriarchal societies. Men have historically held positions of power in various areas of society, including politics, business, and education. This has resulted in gender-based discrimination and inequalities, such as unequal pay, lack of representation, and sexual harassment.

• Economic privilege

Economic privilege is another form of privilege that stems from socioeconomic status. Individuals who come from wealthy families or have high-paying jobs often have access to more opportunities and resources than those who are low-income. This can include access to education, healthcare, and travel, as well as cultural capital such as music lessons or art classes. Economic privilege can also lead to greater social mobility and financial stability, while those who are economically disadvantaged often face greater challenges in achieving these goals.

Recommended reading: Teaching Kids About Money: An Age-by-Age Guide

Recommended reading: How Much Pocket Money Is Good Enough

Examples of privilege in society

Privilege is evident in society in numerous ways. For example, studies have shown that people with “white-sounding” names are more likely to get hired than those with ethnic-sounding names, even if they have the same qualifications. This is an example of racial privilege. Additionally, men are more likely to hold leadership positions in companies and politics, while women are often underrepresented. This is an example of gender privilege. In terms of economic privilege, wealthier individuals often have access to better healthcare and education, while low-income individuals are more likely to experience food insecurity and homelessness.

Understanding privilege is important for individuals of all ages, but it is especially crucial to teach children about privilege early on. By learning about privilege, children can develop empathy and an awareness of their own social status and the status of others. This can help them become more aware of issues of social justice and inequality, and encourage them to become advocates for marginalized communities.

III. Why Talk to Kids About Privilege?

As parents and educators, it’s important to have conversations with children about privilege. The topic of privilege can be difficult to discuss, but it’s important for children to understand how privilege affects their lives and the lives of others. In this section, we will explore the benefits of discussing privilege with kids, the role of parents/teachers in educating kids about privilege, and the consequences of not talking about privilege.

Benefits of discussing privilege with kids

Discussing privilege with kids can have several benefits, including:

1. Developing empathy: By discussing privilege, children can develop empathy and understanding towards others who may have different life experiences than them.
2. Promoting social justice: Discussing privilege can help kids recognize and challenge injustices in society, and work towards creating a more just and equitable world.
3. Fostering critical thinking: By discussing privilege, children can develop critical thinking skills and learn to question the world around them.
4. Encouraging self-reflection: Talking about privilege can encourage children to reflect on their own experiences and identities, and how they may be privileged or marginalized in certain ways.

IV. Role of parents/teachers in educating kids about privilege

Parents and teachers have a crucial role in educating kids about privilege. Here are some tips for discussing privilege with kids:

1. Start early: It’s never too early to start discussing privilege with kids. Even young children can understand the concept of fairness and inequality.
2. Use age-appropriate language: When discussing privilege, it’s important to use language that is appropriate for the child’s age and level of understanding.
3. Be honest: It’s important to be honest with children about the realities of privilege and inequality in society. Children are often aware of these issues, and being open and honest can help them feel empowered to make positive change.
4. Listen to their perspectives: It’s important to listen to children’s perspectives and experiences, and validate their feelings. Encourage them to ask questions and express their thoughts.

V. Consequences of not talking about privilege

Not talking about privilege can have several negative consequences, including:

1. Reinforcing inequality: Without discussions about privilege, children may not understand the ways in which certain groups are privileged or marginalized in society. This can reinforce existing inequalities and perpetuate injustices.
2. Creating blind spots: If children are not aware of their own privilege, they may develop blind spots to the experiences of others who are marginalized. This can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding.
3. Missed opportunities for growth: Discussing privilege can be an opportunity for growth and learning. Without these discussions, children may miss out on important opportunities to develop empathy, critical thinking skills, and self-reflection.

VI. Age-appropriate ways to explain privilege to children

Here is an age-by-age guide for explaining privilege to children:

For young children (ages 3-5):

• Keep the explanation simple and concrete. Use examples from their own experiences, such as having access to different types of food or toys.
• Use age-appropriate language and visuals, such as picture books or videos, to help them understand the concept of privilege.

For elementary-aged children (ages 6-9):

• Begin to introduce the concept of privilege as it relates to race, gender, and socio-economic status.
• Use examples of how some people have advantages and opportunities that others do not, and that these differences can impact how people live their lives.

For pre-teens and tweens (ages 10-12):

• Begin to talk about how privilege intersects with different identities, such as race, gender, and socio-economic status, and how these intersections can compound privilege or oppression.
• Encourage them to think about how privilege affects people in their own community and around the world.

For teenagers (ages 13-18):

• Encourage them to think critically about how privilege affects their own lives and the lives of those around them.
• Discuss the role of privilege in larger systems of power and oppression, and encourage them to think about what they can do to help create a more just and equitable world.

It’s important to remember that children of all ages are capable of understanding and learning about privilege, and that it is a lifelong learning process. It’s also important to be honest and answer their questions as best as you can. It’s important to be sensitive and respectful when discussing these topics and to be aware of the child’s emotional state.

VII. Strategies for teaching children to recognize privilege

Teaching children about privilege can be a challenging but necessary task. Recognizing privilege can help children understand how certain groups have advantages over others and how to work towards creating a more equitable society. Here are some strategies for teaching children to recognize privilege:

1. Encourage self-reflection

One of the first steps in recognizing privilege is to examine one’s own experiences and biases. Encourage children to think about their own experiences and how they may differ from others based on factors such as race, gender, and socio-economic status. Ask them to reflect on how their experiences may have been different if they were born into a different family or community.

2. Use age-appropriate materials

Children may have a difficult time understanding complex concepts related to privilege. It’s important to use age-appropriate materials and language that they can understand. For younger children, books and videos that feature diverse characters and cultures can help build an understanding of different experiences. For older children, articles, documentaries, and current events can be used to facilitate discussions about privilege.

3. Connect privilege to real-life examples

It can be helpful to provide concrete examples of privilege that children can relate to. For instance, discussing how having access to healthy food and safe housing is a privilege that not everyone has. Discussing how certain groups are more likely to be stopped by the police or experience discrimination can also help children understand how privilege works in society.

4. Teach empathy and compassion

Recognizing privilege can be a difficult process, especially for children who may not have had to confront their own biases and experiences before. It’s important to teach empathy and compassion towards others who may have had different experiences. Encourage children to listen to others’ perspectives and experiences without judgment.

Encourage action: Recognizing privilege is important, but it’s also important to take action towards creating a more equitable society. Encourage children to speak up when they see injustice and to use their privilege to advocate for others. Encourage them to volunteer and donate to organizations that work towards social justice.

VIII. Ideas for activities that can help children understand privilege

Teaching children about privilege can be a difficult topic to approach. One way to make it more accessible and engaging is to incorporate activities that help children understand privilege in a tangible way. Here are some ideas for activities that can help children understand privilege:

1. Privilege Walk

This activity involves having children stand in a line and take a step forward or backward based on whether they have experienced certain privileges or disadvantages in their lives. This can be done with statements such as “Take a step forward if you have never been discriminated against because of your race” or “Take a step back if your family has ever struggled to pay for food or housing.” The activity helps children recognize the privileges they have and how they impact their experiences in life.

2. Role-Playing Scenarios

Role-playing scenarios can help children understand how privilege affects different situations. For example, you can ask children to imagine that they are applying for a job and then give them different scenarios based on their race or gender, such as being a white male versus a black female. This can help children see how privilege affects opportunities and experiences.

3. Community Mapping

Have children map out their community and identify areas that are more privileged and areas that are less privileged. This can help children understand the ways in which privilege is distributed and how it affects different communities.

4. Media Analysis

Analyzing media can be a powerful tool for helping children recognize privilege. For example, you can have children analyze a TV show or movie and identify which characters are privileged and which are not. This can help children understand how privilege is portrayed in media and how it affects our perceptions of the world.

5. Storytelling

Encourage children to share their own stories and experiences related to privilege. This can help them understand how privilege affects their own lives and the lives of those around them.

These activities can help children understand privilege in a more concrete and engaging way. They also promote critical thinking skills and empathy, which are important for building a more equitable society.

IX. Addressing Privilege in Daily Life

Here are some tips to address privilege in daily life.

1. How to help kids use their privilege for good

Using privilege for good involves taking action to reduce inequality and create a more equitable society. Parents and educators can encourage children to use their privilege by participating in volunteer work and advocacy campaigns. For example, children can participate in fundraisers to support organizations that work to promote the rights of marginalized communities. This can help them understand that they have a role to play in society and that they can use their privilege to help those who are less fortunate.

2. Encouraging empathy and compassion towards marginalized communities

Empathy and compassion are critical components in helping children understand privilege. Parents and educators can encourage empathy by having open and honest conversations with their children about the struggles of marginalized communities. They can also expose children to diverse cultures and perspectives, whether through books, movies, or field trips. This can help children understand that everyone has a unique background and experiences that influence their perspective on the world.

3. Making conscious efforts to address privilege in daily life

Addressing privilege in daily life requires an ongoing effort to recognize and challenge systems of oppression. Parents and educators can do this by engaging in critical self-reflection and by modeling anti-oppressive behaviors. For example, parents can examine their own biases and actively work to dismantle them. Educators can incorporate anti-oppressive pedagogy into their teaching, which involves creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.

X. Conclusion: How to Explain Privilege to Kids

In conclusion, talking to kids about privilege is an important step towards promoting equity and justice in our society. It is essential to help children recognize and understand privilege so they can use it for good and promote equality for all. Strategies such as teaching children to recognize privilege, engaging in activities that promote empathy and compassion, and making conscious efforts to address privilege in daily life can all help in this effort. As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is our responsibility to have these conversations with children and provide them with the tools to recognize and address privilege. We must encourage children to take action towards promoting equity and justice, and inspire them to be a positive force in the world. By working together, we can create a more just and equal society for all.