A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Moral Development of Children in the United States (Some Minorities)
The cultures of different ethnic groups in various countries play a large part in influencing the moral development of the children of the respective societies. Culture in itself possesses a moral dimension because it provides every ethnic group with a "set of values, [a] network of beliefs that are institutionalized in a people's collective life and that govern their behavior. Culture, then, is the outward discipline in which inherited meanings and morality, beliefs and ways of behaving are preserved" (Mack, 1997, p. 167). Therefore, cultural institutions and traditions serve the purpose of defining taboos and laws that should be respected by every member of the society for the common good of the society. The moral development is an integral aspect of the cultural transmission of these values from generation to generation (Myers, 2000).
During their early years, children are particularly receptive to learning values that are an integral part of their ethnic community from their primary caretakers. Through their relationships with their families and neighbors, the children begin to acquire a sense of belonging with the rest of society (Chang, 1999m p. 142). Thus, parents and other caretakers play a powerful role in determining the moral development of their children. Furthermore, the values and practices they transmit to their children are derived from their culture. Thus, children from different cultures possess different values and beliefs (McCollum & McBride, 1997). As they grow up and attend school, they are exposed to other belief systems in their environment from peers and teachers.
The cultural values of Americans and Asians occupy opposing ends of the individualist-collectivist spectrum. In the United States (U.S.), children are encouraged to develop self-confidence and independence. They are brought up to embrac...