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Social Stratification Principles in Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny: A Content Analysis

Toni Y. Sims-Muhammad, D.A.H.1
  • 1 Allen University Columbia, United States

Abstract

This paper is a content analysis about social stratification principles in popular culture fairytale characters Santa Claus, Tooth fairy and Easter bunny. Specifically, this paper explores how these fairytale characters may contribute to an entitlement identification construct of the African American child. The researcher argues that there are three major components of social stratification portrayed by the fairytale characters (1) ideas about money/wealth, (2) success and (3) the processes to obtain money/wealth and success. Utilizing content analysis, three of most popular portrayed narratives (short stories and songs) Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny were analyzed. Findings indicate that each fairytale contains inferred meanings about money/wealth, success and process to obtain them.

Journal of Social Sciences
Volume 15 No. 1, 2019, 85-91

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2019.85.91

Submitted On: 3 February 2019 Published On: 24 July 2019

How to Cite: Sims-Muhammad, D.A.H., T. Y. (2019). Social Stratification Principles in Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny: A Content Analysis. Journal of Social Sciences, 15(1), 85-91. https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2019.85.91

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Keywords

  • Social Stratification
  • African American Children
  • Black Children
  • Education
  • Socialization
  • Social Class
  • Santa Claus
  • Easter Bunny
  • Tooth Fairy
  • Model Minority Child
  • Popular Culture