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This study explored the nature and development of patterns of prosocial reasoning and behaviour of Indian children (N = 167), between 5 and 14 years of age, from low and high SES, in naturalistic contexts. Prosocial reasoning of children in real life contexts was characterised primarily by authority/punishment orientation, concern for needs of others, pragmatism, mutual gain orientation, and orientation to honouring request made. Orientation to physical needs of others and to honouring request made, increased with age. Some gender and SES differences in prosocial reasoning were noted. Prosocial behaviour, however, was not significantly influenced by age, SES, or gender. Apart from a low negative correlation with authority/punishment orientation, prosocial responding was found to be unrelated to the use of any reasoning category. In most cases of non-prosocial behaviour, children could nevertheless take the perspective of the potential recipient or perceive the need for prosocial behaviour. The observations and findings have been discussed from methodological and sociocultural perspectives.

Prosocial reasoning of 5to 13-year-old Indian children (N= 167), belonging to low/high socioeconomic strata, was investigated through individual interviews seeking responses to vignettes depicting prosocial dilemmas. Children’s prosocial reasoning was characterised primarily by concern for physical needs of others, hedonistic considerations, orientation to affectional relationship, stereotypes of a good/bad person or behaviour, and internalised norms and values orientation. With age, hedonistic and stereotypic reasoning decreased while orientation to others’ needs, mutual gain, and internalised norms/values increased. Prosocial reasoning of boys and girls did not differ significantly, though there were some SES differences. Distinctive responses reflecting some unique features of the Indian culture were also noted. The results are discussed in the context of sociocultural influences and the proximal environmental circumstances social living.

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