Participation trophy

One of the first known mentions of participation trophies occurred on February 8, 1922, in a Massillon, Ohio newspaper, The Evening Independent, in an article announcing a high school basketball tournament.

[4][5] They assert that providing participation trophies raises children's self-esteem, and ensures they do not feel left out, or inferior to their peers who won.

[6] Such trophies are relatively inexpensive, and encourage egalitarianism and continued striving towards a goal; working class families favor them, according to Mother Jones, citing a Reason poll, as they "tend to think everyone should be recognized".

"[7] The poll cited found that "a majority (55%) of those making less than $30,000 a year want all kids to get trophies and 42 percent want only the winning players to receive them".

"[8] Critics argue that such trophies promote narcissism and an entitlement mentality among recipients, and are based on incorrect assumptions regarding supposed psychological benefits of self-esteem.