Refereed journal article or data article (A1)

A Novel Measure of Moral Boundaries: Testing Perceived In-Group/Out-Group Value Differences in a Midwestern Sample




List of AuthorsRengin Firat, Hye Won Kwon, Steven Hitlin

PublisherSage Publications, Inc.

Publication year2018

JournalSocius

Volume number4

Start page111

End page11

eISSN2378-0231

DOIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2378023118818741

URLhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2378023118818741

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/43723276


Abstract

The literature on group differences and social identities has long assumed that value judgments about groups constitute a basic form of social categorization. However, little research has empirically investigated how values unite or divide social groups. The authors seek to address this gap by developing a novel measure of group values: third-order beliefs about in- and out-group members, building on Schwartz value theory. The authors demonstrate that their new measure is a promising empirical tool for quantifying previously abstract social boundaries. Results from a midwestern sample show an important dichotomy such that in-groups were attributed the more positive and altruistic transcendence and openness values, while out-groups were associated conservation and enhancement, the value domains revolving around a self-focus and social restraint. Furthermore, religious attendance and political ideology also emerged as strong predictors of value boundaries, whereas socioeconomic indicators were less influential. Significance and implications are discussed.


Downloadable publication

This is an electronic reprint of the original article.
This reprint may differ from the original in pagination and typographic detail. Please cite the original version.




Last updated on 2022-07-04 at 17:33