Identity Development and the Role Structure of Children's Games

Abstract

Abstract We explored the relationship between structural features of games and age patterns in children's preferences, based on the assumption that the features of game roles would reflect the progress of identity development. Game roles progressed from the simple enactment of preassigned, stable roles, to discrete shifts between roles (based on achievement of certain criteria), to roles associated with hierarchical measurement along continuous, evaluative standards. This pattern fits some views of identity development. In addition, older children preferred games in which the roles were associated with specific goals, games based on switching roles (or involving continuous roles superimposed on alternating sub-roles), games involving oppositional relationships among roles, and games measuring the competence of role performance. Supplementary findings suggested that, with advancing age, children favor games with more structure and requirements for cooperative interaction, less make-believe, and clearly specified endpoints. Implications for identity development are discussed.