In society, when someone violates a social norm, various responses can emerge from those around them. Some may feel that the violator deserves certain sanctions. This article explores how emotions like anger and disgust influence judgments of social sanctions, based on a large-scale study conducted in 56 countries. This article is sourced from Airlangga University Scolars.
The Role of Emotions in Judging Social Sanctions
The study found that individuals who feel angry and disgusted when witnessing a social norm violation are more likely to support actions such as confrontation, ostracism, and, to a lesser extent, gossip. Anger was found to be the strongest predictor of supporting confrontation compared to other emotions. This indicates that anger plays a significant role in determining whether someone supports direct action against the norm violator.
Cross-Cultural Variations in Emotional Responses
Although the relationship between emotions and judgments of sanctions appears universal, its strength varies across different countries. The study shows that the link between emotions and judgments of sanctions is stronger in societies that place a high value on individual autonomy. In countries that value individual freedom, emotions like anger and disgust more significantly influence judgments of social sanctions.
Autonomy Values and the Influence of Emotions
The value of autonomy in a society can enhance the role of emotions in determining judgments of social sanctions. In societies that emphasize the importance of individual freedom, people tend to rely more on their emotions when deciding whether sanctions are necessary. This aligns with theoretical predictions that emotions will have a greater impact in societies that value individual autonomy.
Implications of the Study
This research provides valuable insights into how emotions and cultural values interact in determining social judgments. Understanding this dynamic allows us to better anticipate and manage societal responses to norm violations in various cultural contexts. The study also underscores the importance of considering cultural contexts and social values when evaluating responses to norm violations.
Conclusion
The study reveals that anger and disgust play crucial roles in judging social sanctions across cultures. Anger, in particular, is a strong predictor of supporting confrontation against norm violators. Additionally, the value of autonomy within a society strengthens the influence of emotions in social judgments. These findings highlight the importance of considering cultural contexts and social values when evaluating responses to norm violations.
Link Journal : https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/anger-and-disgust-shape-judgments-of-social-sanctions-across-cult