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




Rengin Firat, Hye Won Kwon, Steven Hitlin

PublisherSage Publications, Inc.

2018

Socius

4

111

11

2378-0231

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1177/2378023118818741

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

https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/43723276



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.


Last updated on 2024-26-11 at 14:58