The idea that people can learn to adapt their morals to fit into society's norms, even if those norms are harmful or oppressive, has been around for centuries.
Many societies have historically accepted slavery as a normal part of life, despite its immorality. In these contexts, individuals had to adapt their beliefs about what was right and wrong in order to maintain close relationships, such as those between slaveholders and slaves. This adaptation process often involved reframing the relationship in terms of loyalty, duty, obligation, or mutual respect instead of morality. The same is true today when it comes to systems of oppression like racism and sexism. People who participate in oppressive systems may feel guilty or ashamed, but they often find ways to rationalize their actions in order to preserve intimate relationships within those systems.
Some men may justify their misogynistic behavior by arguing that women are naturally inferior to them, while others may claim that patriarchy is necessary for social stability. Similarly, white people may defend racial discrimination by saying that people of color are lazy or less intelligent. These justifications allow individuals to maintain intimacy with members of their own group while upholding an unjust system. Moral adaptation also plays out in relationships where one partner is more privileged than the other.
A man might expect his wife to do most of the housework and childcare because she stays home while he works, which reinforces traditional gender roles.
Moral adaptation can be dangerous because it allows people to ignore the harm caused by oppressive systems. It can lead to complacency, resignation, and even cruelty towards marginalized groups.
Moral adaptation can cause individuals to lose sight of their values and become blind to their own complicity in perpetuating inequality. To counteract this, individuals need to actively work against systems of oppression and resist normalization of immoral behaviors. This requires critical thinking, self-reflection, and open dialogue about ethical issues.
What is the role of moral adaptation in preserving intimacy within oppressive social systems?
Moral adaptation refers to the process by which individuals adjust their moral beliefs and behaviors in response to changes in their environment, particularly those related to power and oppression. In oppressive social systems, moral adaptation can play an important role in preserving intimacy between individuals who may otherwise be separated by differences in status or privilege. One way that this occurs is through the development of shared values and beliefs that allow for mutual understanding and respect despite disparities in power and resources.