Gender Differences in Moral Identity

• Published in: 倫理硏究 Vol. 122; pp. 71 - 89
• Main Author: Ha Jin-bong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 한국윤리학회 30.11.2018
• Subjects: gender difference; gender stereotypes; Good-Self Assessment; moral identity; Self-Importance of Moral Identity
• ISSN: 2982-5121

Moral gender differences have discussed for a long time. And the term moral identity has been emphasized by a number of studies in field of moral psychology and moral education. Unfortunately, most studies of gender differences have focused on correlations between biological sex and moral reasoning or judgment. So, the present study instead focuses on moral identity in terms of gender identification and gender stereotypes as well as biological sex. The purpose of this study was to examine the gender differences in moral identity empirically and statistically. This study used Aquino and Reed’s Self-Importance of Moral Identity Scale, and Anorld’s Good-Self Assessment to measure the level of moral identity and also assessed the extent to gender identification and gender stereotypes, and then found some statistically significant differences between male and female. Based on these findings, the present study proposes that there are two significances in terms of gender differences in moral identity. First, women who reflect higher moral identity prefer moral value more consistently than man when it conflicts with non-moral value. Second, gender stereotypes have an impact on only women’s moral identity. Finally, this study argues that further researches are needed.