Researcher(s)
- Maryanne Porter, Visual Communications, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Katie Leech, Art & Design, University of Delaware
Abstract
Book banning in the United States has re-emerged as a critical cultural and political issue, particularly in schools and libraries. While previous research has explored its impact on intellectual freedom, education, and access to diverse narratives, less attention has been given to its long-term psychological and economic implications. This project investigates how the banning and challenging of books, especially those that amplify underrepresented voices, affect the development of empathy and social-emotional learning in youth, and how that, in turn, may influence consumer behavior in adulthood.
Drawing on existing literature in education, cognitive development, and marketing psychology, as well as interviews with professionals in publishing, this research examines the role of diverse literature in shaping emotional intelligence and cultural awareness. It also explores how values-based marketing increasingly appeals to consumers who are empathetically and socially attuned. By connecting patterns of literary censorship to the emotional literacy of future consumers, this exploration raises questions about how limiting access to certain narratives may shift market engagement among a generation raised with narrowed perspectives.
The project includes an analysis of current censorship trends, youth development research, and brand case studies, particularly Heineken, a company known for values-based campaigns that emphasize inclusivity and social connection. These insights culminate in a creative campaign proposal depicting how brands might use their platforms to raise awareness about book bans and defend access to diverse literature.
Ultimately, this research offers a multidisciplinary lens on an evolving cultural conflict. It suggests that the stories children are allowed or denied access to today may have ripple effects far beyond education, shaping the emotional and ethical frameworks that guide consumer identity and economic behavior in the future.