A groundbreaking study conducted in Poland has uncovered intriguing patterns in how different types of patriotic attitudes align with moral values. The research, published in Self & Identity, examined three distinct forms of patriotism and their relationship to fundamental moral principles.
The study, led by Maryna Kołeczek and her research team, surveyed over 2,000 Polish adults across two separate investigations. They explored how glorification, conventional patriotism, and constructive patriotism correlate with various moral foundations including harm prevention, fairness, loyalty, authority, and purity.
The findings revealed that individuals who strongly glorify their nation tend to place greater emphasis on authority and traditional purity values while showing less concern for preventing harm or maintaining fairness. When faced with moral dilemmas, these "glorifiers" were more likely to support decisions that could potentially harm individuals if such choices were perceived to benefit the nation.
In contrast, conventional patriots displayed a more balanced moral outlook, valuing both group loyalty and the prevention of harm. These individuals showed varying preferences depending on specific situations, sometimes prioritizing authority over individual welfare but also favoring personal well-being over group loyalty in certain contexts.
Constructive patriots, who maintain a more critical stance toward their nation, demonstrated a unique connection to fairness values but showed no strong preferences for other moral foundations. When confronting ethical dilemmas, they exhibited no systematic bias toward either group-binding or individual-focused values.
The research team controlled for various factors including demographics and political orientation to isolate the specific moral characteristics associated with each patriotic style. While the study cannot establish direct cause-and-effect relationships, it provides valuable insights into how different forms of national attachment may shape moral decision-making.
These findings contribute to our understanding of patriotism's complex relationship with moral values and may help explain varying responses to national policies and social issues.