Assignment Task: 175 words each
Discussion post 1:
Culture profoundly shapes moral reasoning and our understanding of social justice. Keith (2019) emphasizes that moral values are not universal but are "products of cultural traditions, social institutions, and historical experiences" (p. 362). This means that what one society considers just or fair may differ dramatically from another, depending on whether the culture emphasizes collectivism, individualism, or hierarchical relationships. For example, collectivist cultures may prioritize group harmony and restorative justice, while individualist cultures often focus on personal rights and retributive justice.
My personal moral compass-grounded in empathy, cultural humility, and trauma-informed values-guides my view of social justice as a process of healing and equity. I believe justice must be inclusive and responsive to systemic harm, especially for survivors and marginalized communities. This aligns with Keith's assertion that "moral reasoning is shaped by both cultural background and individual experience" (Keith, 2019, p. 365). As someone preparing to work in trauma counseling and probation, I see social justice not just as legal fairness but as a commitment to restoring dignity, addressing harm, and honoring diverse lived experiences. Need Assignment Help?
Reference:
Keith, K. D. (2019). Cross-cultural psychology (2nd ed.). Wiley.
Discussion post 2:
According to Shweder and colleagues (1998), cultural identity includes our worldview and moral values, shaped through everyday practices and relationships (Keith, 2019). Culture plays a foundational role in shaping moral reasoning. It teaches us what is considered right, fair, or acceptable within a given community. These cultural messages are often absorbed unconsciously, influencing how we interpret justice and respond to inequality. My own worldview has evolved through intentional reflection and accountability, especially as I've recognized how dominant cultural norms can obscure or even justify exclusion. Social justice, to me, is not a fixed destination but a dynamic process: one that requires empathy, humility, and a willingness to challenge inherited beliefs. Whether I'm affirming a peer's perspective, choosing inclusive sources in my academic work, or calling out bias in professional settings, I strive to align my values with my actions. My moral compass doesn't just guide what I believe, it shapes how I show up for others.
Cochran and Weaver (2017) argue that moral development is cultivated through exposure to others' lived experiences and community engagement, and I've found that to be true. My understanding of social justice has deepened through proximity to difference and the courage to act. The way I navigate questions of justice has been molded by the people in my life, especially those whose stories, identities, and values have challenged me to think beyond my own experience. As someone raised in a community where certain perspectives were dominant and others often overlooked, I didn't fully grasp the depth of social justice until I began forming relationships that challenged my assumptions. Looking back, I recognize how self-serving bias shaped my early understanding. I was more likely to view my values as neutral or correct without questioning the cultural lens behind them (Keith, 2019). As I sought out connections with individuals across racial, cultural, and religious lines, as well as those within the LGBTQ+ community, I learned that justice must also account for the quiet struggles people carry, whether shaped by gender, power, or cultural silence.
References:
Cochran, M., & Weaver, J. (2017). Can virtue be learned? An exploration of student moral development through community engagement. Journal of College Character, 18(4), 245-260.
Keith, K. D. (2019). Cross-cultural psychology (2nd ed.). Wiley.
Shweder, R. A., Goodnow, J., Hatano, G., LeVine, H., Markus, H., & Miller, P. (1998). The cultural psychology of development: One mind, many mentalities. In W. Damon (Ed.), Handbook of child development (pp. 865-937). New York, NY: Wiley.