Moral Development in a Violent Society: Colombian Children’s Judgments in the Context of Survival and Revenge

Roberto Posada,

Roberto Posada

University of Utah

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Cecilia Wainryb,

Corresponding Author

Cecilia Wainryb

University of Utah

concerning this article should be addressed to Cecilia Wainryb, Department of Psychology, University of Utah, 380 South 1530 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. Electronic mail may be sent to [email protected].Search for more papers by this author

Roberto Posada,

Roberto Posada

University of Utah

Search for more papers by this author

Cecilia Wainryb,

Corresponding Author

Cecilia Wainryb

University of Utah

First published: 14 July 2008

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8624.2008.01165.x

Citations: 87

This article is based on the first author’s master’s thesis. The research was supported by two fellowships (2003–2004 and 2004–2005) from the Barbara and Norman Tanner Center for the Prevention of Violence.

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Abstract

Ninety-six Colombian children (mean age = 7.7 years) and adolescents (mean age = 14.6 years) made judgments about stealing and physical harm in the abstract and in the context of survival and revenge. All participants judged it wrong to steal or hurt others because of considerations with justice and welfare, and most also judged it wrong to engage in such actions even when they can aid in survival. Their judgments in the context of revenge were more mixed, with a sizable proportion endorsing stealing and hurting in that condition. Furthermore, the majority expected that people would steal and hurt others in most situations. Significant age differences were also found. The consequences of political violence for moral development are discussed.

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Moral Development in a Violent Society: Colombian Children’s Judgments in the Context of Survival and Revenge

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