At what stage do children begin to understand the concept of fairness in relationships?

The understanding of fairness in relationships typically develops during middle childhood, which spans from approximately ages 6 to 12 years. During this stage, children start to engage in more complex social interactions and develop a greater awareness of social norms and expectations. They begin to understand concepts of fairness, justice, and reciprocity in their peer relationships, realizing that everyone should be treated with equality and respect in social situations. This growing cognitive ability enables them to evaluate situations based on fairness and initiate discussions about what is fair.

In contrast, earlier stages such as infancy and toddlerhood focus on personal attachment and emotional security rather than the nuanced understanding of social fairness. Infants are primarily concerned with their immediate caregivers, and toddlers are typically egocentric, focusing on their own needs and desires. Early childhood brings advancements in social skills and relationships, but the deeper grasp of fairness and equity among peers becomes more pronounced in middle childhood as children are often more engaged in cooperative play and group activities, facilitating discussions of fairness among friends and classmates.