Is Ethical Sensitivity Culturally Bound? A Multiple-Case Study From the Netherlands, Finland, and Iran

• In Event: Civic Identity

Abstract

We investigated the culture-invariant and culture-dependent nature of ethical sensitivity within the educational contexts of three countries. This multiple case study involved The Netherlands (n=633) and Finland (n=864), representing western cultures, and Iran (n=556), representing eastern cultures. Culturally bound elements of ethical sensitivity were studied using an Ethical Sensitivity Scale Questionnaire (ESSQ). The analysis revealed that caring by connecting to others is a central and culturally invariant dimension of ethical sensitivity in educational contexts. Considering the other dimensions of ethical sensitivity, taking the perspective of others is particularly culturally dependent, taking into account differences in the examined countries’ cultural dimensions of power distance and collectivity.

Authors

• Elina Kuusisto, University of Helsinki

• Khalil Gholami, University of Helsinki

• Ingrid Schutte, Hanze University of Applied Sciences

• Marca V.C. Wolfensberger, Hanze University of Applied Science

• Kirsi A. Tirri, University of Helsinki