Define and discuss moral identity. What are some factors that strengthen moral identity?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: Moral identity is the degree to which morality is central to self-concept. Like moral reasoning, moral identity affects moral behavior. In a study of low-SES African-American and Hispanic teenagers, those who emphasized moral traits and goals in their self-descriptions displayed exceptional levels of community service. And when 10- to 18-year-olds rated moral traits on the basis of whether each reflected the kind of person they wanted to be, those with a stronger moral ideal self were viewed by their parents as more ethical and altruistic in behavior. Researchers are identifying factors that strengthen moral identity in hopes of capitalizing on them to promote moral commitment. Certain parenting practices—inductive discipline and clearly conveyed moral expectations—augment adolescents’ moral identity. Also, opportunities to enact moral behaviors through community service enhance adolescents’ self-understanding, thereby contributing to a stronger moral identity and, in turn, to moral motivation. Civic engagement can help young people see the connection between their personal interests and the public interest—an insight that may foster all aspects of morality.