“The results of this study suggest…females were more generous than were males, males were more materialistic than were females, and the genders did not differ in frugality. Concerning age, the results were interesting, and somewhat unsettling. Despite the fact that cognitive maturation should allow for greater financial restraint and concern for others, older children were less frugal and less generous than were younger children.
These results may indicate that children are being successfully socialized into the consumer beliefs that one should buy what one wants when one wants it, and that they should keep their possessions to themselves, rather than share them. While this might be good news from the perspective of marketers and those who hope to indoctrinate the next generation into a consumer mentality that will support the growth of the U.S. economy, other results suggest numerous problems associated with such “successful” economic socialization.”
Tim Kasser in “Frugality, Generosity, and Materialism in Children and Adolescents” study among 10-18 year olds (John Knox College) 13-14.
This research reveals why we must teach biblical stewardship principles to our youth: our culture is indoctrinating them with a consumer mentality and the research reveals it’s working. James advises us not to be polluted by the world (James 1:27) and Paul says that we must not be conformed to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:1-2). Truth not only cleanses us, it transforms our lives and our youth! The next generation is counting on us to teach them the way from the Word. If we don’t, research says they will follow what the world says.