Author(s) :

Steffi Kim.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Unspoken moral codes form the basis of social interaction, prescribing how individuals and groups conduct themselves and relate to one another. Given that society today is characterized by high levels of intergroup conflict and polarization over differing notions of right and wrong, examining groups’ underlying moral values is imperative to understanding why countries, political parties, and ethnic or religious groups are unable to see eye-to-eye. The purpose of this paper is to explore how morality factors into intergroup dynamics and how moral values dictate how other groups are treated and perceived. We utilize Moral Foundations Theory as a psychological framework to effectively parse apart the abstract notions of right and wrong. Our main findings are that each of the five core moral principles—Care/Harm, Fairness/Injustice, Ingroup/Loyalty, Authority/Respect, and Purity/Disgust—is responsible for driving specific attitudes and behaviors, both positive and negative, toward other groups. Specifically, these principles drive prejudice-reduction through empathy, define equality and reparations amongst competing groups, and shape group allegiances. On a darker note, these moral principles also beget prejudicial attitudes about social change and contribute to dehumanization. After dissecting the role of each moral foundation, we move to a broader investigation of how judgments of other groups’ morality drive intergroup attitudes, finding that stereotypes and social norms are critical factors. Throughout the paper, we provide actionable recommendations for how to use moral principles to induce groups to behave in more virtuous, harmonious ways. Key limitations of Moral Foundations Theory in intergroup contexts are discussed.