How does integrating military and relational identity shape moral reasoning?
In today's world, there are many people who identify themselves as both military personnel and have close personal relationships. This integration can significantly impact an individual's moral reasoning process. When individuals integrate their military and relational identities, they may begin to view ethics differently and make decisions based on different principles than those without such an integrated identity. By understanding how these identities interact, we can better understand why some people make certain choices that others do not.
Moral reasoning is the process by which individuals evaluate actions and events for their morality, goodness, or rightfulness. It involves considering all aspects of an action or event to determine if it meets societal norms and expectations. Military members often follow strict codes of conduct that dictate how they should behave in various situations. These codes emphasize loyalty, honor, duty, and selfless service. Relational partners also have codes of conduct that require them to be honest, faithful, and respectful. Integrating these identities can lead to unique perspectives on morality because individuals must reconcile competing demands from two sources.
One way this integration might occur is through a conflict between loyalties.
A soldier may face a situation where he/she must choose between following orders from a superior or obeying their partner's wishes. In this case, the individual may feel torn between two obligations and struggle to find the best solution. Another possibility is that the individual may experience cognitive dissonance when trying to balance the needs of both identities. Cognitive dissonance occurs when an individual holds conflicting beliefs or attitudes and seeks to resolve the discomfort caused by the contradiction. This can cause stress and anxiety as the individual tries to align their values with each role they play.
Another factor that affects moral reasoning is cultural background. People who grow up in one culture may hold different values than those raised in another.
Someone who grew up in a military family may place more importance on obedience while someone raised in a religious household may prioritize faith-based principles. These differences could further complicate matters for someone who integrates both identities, leading to increased ethical complexity.
The integration of military and relational identity can also impact how individuals perceive risk. Soldiers are often exposed to dangerous situations that put them at risk of injury or death. They may view such risks differently than civilians, who do not face similar dangers daily. Similarly, partners in long-distance relationships may take greater risks when communicating sensitive information online because they have less fear of being caught. These divergent perspectives on risk can create conflicts within the relationship if one party feels too much danger while the other does not.
The integration of military and relational identity can influence decision making. Individuals may choose to make decisions based on what is best for either identity rather than considering all factors equally.
A soldier may make a career choice that benefits his/her military service but harms their personal life. Alternatively, a partner might make a financial decision that hurts their partner's career prospects but improves their own security. When these choices conflict, it can lead to tension within the relationship.
The integration of military and relational identity shapes moral reasoning by creating complexities in how individuals evaluate actions and events. By understanding these complexities, we can better understand why some people make certain decisions that others would not. It is essential to remember that everyone has different experiences and perspectives shaping their moral reasoning process, so no two people will ever think exactly alike.
How does integrating military and relational identity shape moral reasoning?
Moral reasoning is often shaped by an individual's personal experience of living through a conflict situation where they may have been exposed to situations that challenge their ethical values. A military member's identity may be affected by factors such as combat stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and trauma. These experiences may result in a change in attitude towards violence, which can lead to increased aggression or decreased empathy.