Peer and social support have been shown to play a crucial role in shaping individual and group morality. This is because individuals often turn to their peers for guidance and advice when making decisions that involve moral dilemmas. By doing so, they are able to gain insight into what actions would be considered acceptable or unacceptable within their particular context.
Social support can provide a sense of community and belonging, which can also influence one's perception of right and wrong.
The concept of collective responsibility refers to the idea that individuals share a responsibility for the actions of others. In terms of peer and social support, this means that people may feel obligated to take responsibility for the actions of those around them, even if they did not personally engage in those actions.
A person who witnesses a crime but does not report it might still feel responsible for the crime due to their association with the perpetrator.
Experiences of peer and social support can therefore impact an individual's understanding of collective responsibility.
Individuals who receive strong social support from their friends and family members are more likely to feel accountable for the actions of their loved ones. They may also be more likely to hold themselves accountable for their own actions, as they feel connected to the larger social network. Conversely, individuals who experience isolation or rejection may be less likely to feel responsible for the actions of others, as they do not feel like they belong to a broader social group.
One study found that individuals who felt supported by their peers were more likely to show altruistic behavior towards strangers, while those who lacked social support were less likely to help out. This suggests that social support can promote collective responsibility and prosocial behavior. Another study showed that individuals who experienced peer rejection tended to endorse moral disengagement, which involves ignoring personal responsibility for immoral acts. This indicates that experiences of peer support can shape an individual's sense of moral responsibility.
Experiences of peer and social support can influence an individual's perception of collective responsibility. By providing support and guidance, friends and family members can encourage individuals to adopt a greater sense of responsibility for their actions and the actions of those around them.
Isolation and exclusion can lead to decreased morality and increased selfishness.
What insights about collective moral responsibility emerge from experiences of peer and social support?
The literature suggests that individuals who feel supported by their peers tend to have higher levels of self-esteem, which can facilitate the development of a sense of shared moral obligation towards others. In addition, receiving support from one's community can lead to a greater understanding of the role that one plays within it, thus increasing awareness of one's contribution to collective action.