Merit Is Not Meritorious Everywhere: Fairness in First and Third Party Tasks among Kogi Children

Abstract Experimental research has studied the emergence of fairness criteria such as merit and equality at increasingly younger ages. How much does recognition practice these principles depend on influence central aspects Western educated industrialized societies? In an attempt to answer questions, this article provides evidence regarding choices children in Kogi indigenous community Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a traditional society living mountains Northern Colombia that practices swidden agriculture, cattle-raising, enjoys special cultural status granted by Colombian Constitution. Two groups 6–7 10–11 year olds (N = 104) were tested modified dictator game several scenarios from resource distribution task including different criteria. Our results point lack focality idea among ages when deciding third-party allocation tasks, even design prevented equal distribution.