Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study aimed to investigate age and gender differences in morality, as well as, how differences in morality affects judgments of crime. Crime judgments were used as a practical application of morality. Moral Foundations Theory served as a theoretical framework for this study. It was hypothesised that older generations would value binding moral foundations, while women would value individualising foundations. Binding foundations were hypothesised to be associated with a desire for harsher punishments, while individualising foundations were thought to be associated with a desire for milder punishments. Results showed that women did prioritize individualising moral foundations more than men, whilst variation in age indicated no differences. Trends of binding foundations correlating with harsher punishment ratings were found, while individualizing foundations were found to correlate with milder punishment ratings. The moral and punishment ratings were obtained through a survey (n = 85). Moral Foundations Questionnaire and crime scenarios were utilized to obtain the results. Theories of gender, age, morality and crime along with Moral Foundations Theory were used to evaluate the results. The results of this study gives an insight into the differences in moral perspectives, as well as how these differences create divisions in society by polarising judicial standpoints.
Authors: Nyrén, Hugo, Nilsson, Lukas
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6996677141