This research examines how economic inequality affects children’s trust and generosity. In experimental games, children aged 5–9 who experienced unequal rewards trusted decision-makers less, regardless of whether they benefited. Repeated exposure to unfairness may spread mistrust to others, suggesting that early inequality can shape social attitudes and cooperative behavior.

This research uses Marxist theory to examine why superhero fiction resonates today. It argues that in an era of wage stagnation and rising costs, superheroes represent an escape from worker alienation by offering visible, meaningful impact. It also critiques billionaire heroes like Batman and Iron Man as symbols of economic power framed as virtue.