The Influence of Ethnolinguism and Cultural Diversity on the Moral Judgement of Young Adults

Abstract

The concept of morality is often cited in reference to social groups and variance in cultural practices, yet there exists a scarcity of empirical evidence regarding the presence or the lack thereof of a relationship between these abstract constructs. The present research sought to identify whether ethnolinguistic groups held any sway over the development of moral judgements. Additionally, it also examined whether an individual’s exposure to cultural diversity in adolescence in terms of their ethnic or linguistic background and the presence of group boundaries played a role in the judgements against ingroups and outgroups. The research indicated that while one’s identification or sense of belonging to an ethnolinguistic group did not necessarily affect the development of moral judgements, an individual’s early experiences in adolescence as well as conceptions regarding group boundaries and criteria for membership in the same did have a considerable impact. It also indicated that gender differences may exist in the development of moral judgement, prompting further research regarding the same.