Examining Moral Intuitions Across Cultures Through Empirical Narrative Analysis

Thesis Abstract

Understanding the variation and underlying mechanisms of moral intuitions across diverse cultural contexts remains a critical challenge in normative ethics and cognitive anthropology. This study aims to empirically examine the differences and commonalities in moral intuitions among individuals from contrasting cultural backgrounds, specifically focusing on East Asian and Western societies, through a detailed narrative analysis approach. The primary objectives are to identify culturally specific moral narratives, explore how cultural values shape moral reasoning, and test the applicability of the Moral Foundations Theory (Haidt, 2007) and the Cultural Dimensions Theory (Hofstede, 1980) in understanding these intuitions. The research adopts a qualitative, cross-sectional design, integrating narrative inquiry with thematic analysis to derive in-depth insights into moral reasoning processes. A total of 150 participants, equally recruited from East Asian countries (e.g., Japan, China) and Western countries (e.g., the United States, United Kingdom), form the sample, purposively selected to ensure diversity in age, gender, and educational background. Data are collected through semi-structured interviews and narrative prompts designed to elicit personal stories and moral judgments related to ethical dilemmas such as honesty, loyalty, fairness, and harm. The interviews are audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to rigorous thematic coding guided by NVivo software, emphasizing the emergence of culturally discrete moral themes and reasoning patterns. To enhance the validity of findings, data triangulation involves cross-validation between narrative data and participant demographics. Thematic analysis follows Braun and Clarke’s (2006) approach to identify salient moral narratives and patterns within and across cultural groups. Additionally, social network analysis is employed to examine the interconnectedness of moral themes within narratives, providing a nuanced understanding of moral intuition structures. Comparative analysis through cross-cultural coding reveals distinct and overlapping moral intuitions, highlighting the influence of cultural values such as collectivism vs. individualism and power distance. Expected findings include significant variations in moral narratives, with East Asian participants emphasizing harmony, filial piety, and indirect conflict resolution, whereas Western participants exhibit a preference for individual rights, justice, and direct communication. These differences are anticipated to correlate strongly with cultural dimensions identified by Hofstede’s model. Moreover, the data are expected to support the premise that moral intuitions are culturally constructed yet share universal elements rooted in basic human social cognition, aligning with the concept of moral pluralism. The study contributes to knowledge by providing a nuanced, empirically grounded account of how cultural contexts shape moral intuitions through narrative patterns and moral reasoning, thereby advancing the application of narrative analysis in cross-cultural ethics research. It offers an integrative model that considers both universal moral foundations and unique cultural expressions, complementing existing theories such as Haidt’s Moral Foundations Theory and Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The main conclusion emphasizes the importance of cultural context in understanding moral intuitions, suggesting that moral development and ethical judgments are deeply embedded in cultural narratives and social practices. Policy recommendations include the need for culturally sensitive ethical frameworks in international diplomacy, global education, and multicultural conflict resolution. The study’s findings also pave the way for further research into longitudinal changes in moral narratives amidst globalization, and the potential for integrating narrative analysis with neuroscience methods for a comprehensive understanding of moral cognition. Overall, this research underscores the significance of narrative as a vital lens for exploring the complex interplay between culture and moral psychology, ultimately fostering more inclusive and contextually aware ethical discourse.