How do groups maintain their cultural and ethnic identities when under threat from outside forces? One way that groups have historically used to preserve their identity is through the development of a strong set of shared beliefs, known as "moral values." These moral values are often expressed through religion, language, art, literature, food customs, dress codes, etc. When these moral values are threatened by outside forces such as colonialism, genocide, imperialism, war, migration, globalization, etc., they can be used as a way for the group to stay united and resist assimilation into another culture.
In order to better understand how this works, let's consider an example. Suppose there was a small tribe living in Africa that was forced to relocate due to drought and famine. The members of the tribe were scattered across different parts of the continent and had to adapt to new environments and cultures.
Even though they were now living in different places and speaking different languages, they still retained some aspects of their original culture and identity. This included their traditional belief system which emphasized respect for elders, community service, and the importance of family ties. These values helped them maintain their sense of self-worth despite being displaced and isolated from each other.
Another example could be the Jewish people during World War II. Despite facing persecution, oppression, and extermination at the hands of Nazi Germany, many Jews were able to retain their faith and values. They developed resistance movements and maintained their cultural practices such as holidays, music, food, and religious rituals. This enabled them to survive and thrive after the war ended, even while dealing with trauma and loss.
It seems clear that group identity is closely linked to moral values. Moral values provide a common set of beliefs and expectations that help groups maintain their distinctiveness and cohesion under threat. By preserving these values, groups can remain resilient and resistant to outside pressures.
How does group identity stabilize moral values under threat?
Studies have shown that individuals tend to rely on their group membership as a source of stability and security when facing challenges and threats. In such situations, they may turn to group norms and expectations for guidance and support, which can reinforce shared values and beliefs. This can be particularly true for groups with strong identities and traditions, where members feel a sense of belonging and loyalty to one another.