What is Haidt’s Moral Foundation Theory?
Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
Jonathan Haidt is an American social psychologist and author best known for his work on the psychology of morality and moral emotions.
He's a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, where he focuses on how our gut feelings, rather than logic, shape our moral reasoning.
Haidt developed the Moral Foundations Theory, which explores the evolutionary origins of human morality.
This theory helps explain why different political ideologies prioritize different moral values. His research forms the basis of several popular books.
Haidt's books include:
The Happiness Hypothesis (2006): Looks at the relationship between ancient wisdom and modern science.
The Righteous Mind (2012): Examines how our emotions and intuitions shape our morality and why political groups have different views of right and wrong.
The Coddling of the American Mind (2018): Co-written with Greg Lukianoff, it explores the impact of rising political polarization and changing campus cultures on mental health.
The Anxious Generation (2024): Discusses how smartphones and overprotective parenting have led to a rise in mental illness among young people.
Haidt's work provides valuable insights into why we think the way we do about morality and politics, helping us understand and navigate our differences.
According to Haidt, our moral judgments are based on six foundations: care/harm, fairness/cheating, loyalty/betrayal, authority/subversion, sanctity/degradation, and liberty/oppression.
When couples understand that their partner's political views are rooted in these deep-seated moral foundations, it becomes easier to empathize and communicate.
Imagine you and your partner as chefs in a kitchen. One of you prefers a recipe heavy on the care/harm and fairness/cheating ingredients, while the other enjoys a dish seasoned with loyalty/betrayal and authority/subversion. Understanding these preferences can help you cook up a more harmonious relationship.
Intuition Comes First, Strategic Reasoning Second
Haidt argues that our moral judgments stem from intuition rather than rational thought.
This means your partner's political views are likely driven by gut feelings, not just logical arguments.
When you find yourselves in a heated debate, remember that you're not just battling over facts but also deeply held intuitions.
As a couples therapist, I suggest embracing a bit of humor here.
Picture your partner's intuition as an overzealous puppy. It might be stubborn and hard to train, but you can guide it toward more constructive behavior with patience and kindness. Instead of trying to win an argument, focus on understanding where your partner's "puppy" is coming from.
Embracing Groupishness in Your Relationship
Humans are inherently groups, meaning we have a natural tendency to form groups and feel loyalty toward them.
This can be a double-edged sword in relationships, especially when your political "tribes" are at odds. The key is to harness this groupishness for the benefit of your relationship.
Create your own "tribe" within your relationship.
Establish rituals and shared experiences that reinforce your bond.
Whether it's a weekly date night, a shared hobby, or even a silly inside joke, these rituals can activate what Haidt calls the "hive switch," fostering a sense of unity and belonging.
Moral Pluralism: There's No One Right Way
Moral pluralism acknowledges that different people can have legitimate moral perspectives based on varying combinations of the six moral foundations. I encourage you to embrace this pluralism in your relationship. Recognize that there's no single "right" way to approach politics or morality.
Approach your political discussions with curiosity rather than judgment.
Ask open-ended questions to understand your partner's perspective. For example, "Can you tell me more about why you feel strongly about this issue?" This approach fosters empathy and transforms potentially divisive conversations into opportunities for deeper connection.
The Power of the Hive Switch
The "hive switch" is a psychological mechanism that allows folks to transcend self-interest and feel a sense of unity with a group. In a relationship, activating this switch can help you and your partner move beyond political differences and focus on what unites you.
Think of it like a dance.
Sometimes, you'll step on each other's toes, but you'll find your rhythm with practice. Engage in activities requiring teamwork and cooperation, such as cooking a meal or taking a dance class. These experiences can shift your focus from individual differences to collective harmony.
Navigating Liberal and Conservative Dynamics
Haidt notes that liberals and conservatives prioritize different moral foundations.
Liberals often emphasize care and fairness, while conservatives balance all six foundations more evenly. This difference can lead to misunderstandings in a relationship with mixed political beliefs.
Remember, it's not about changing your partner's views but understanding them.
Use humor to diffuse tension: "Honey, I love that you're so passionate about saving the whales, even if I think they'd vote differently than you do." Compassionately acknowledge each other's values and find common ground. Maybe you both care deeply about community service or environmental conservation, even if your approaches differ.
Final thoughts
Please remember that, in the end, love trumps politics.
Jonathan Haidt's ideas might have some merit for politically storm-tossed marriages.
Perhaps by having better conversations, you might navigate political differences and strengthen your relationship.
Remember to prioritize your bond, embrace moral pluralism, and create rituals that unite you.
After all, in the grand kitchen of life, it's the shared recipes that make the best dishes.
So, next time you and your partner face a political disagreement, take a deep breath, activate your hive switch, and remember that you're both chefs in the same kitchen, working together to create a delicious life.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
