A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Moral Education in a Cross-Cultural Context: Evidence from Malaysian Educational Institutions

Abstract

Moral education has long been aimed at developing moral concepts, but its effectiveness in a cross-cultural environment is often questioned. This study explored the impact of cultural identity on the effectiveness of moral education in a multicultural context, focusing on moral behavior and moral values. A quantitative research design was employed, involving a sample of 314 respondents from various cultural backgrounds in Malaysia. Using a convenient sampling method, questionnaires were distributed to measure respondents' perceptions of cultural identity, moral values, and moral behavior. The study was conducted in educational institutions across Malaysia, providing a diverse setting for assessing cross-cultural differences. A regression analysis was performed to examine the relationships between cultural identity and the effectiveness of moral education. The findings revealed that cultural identity significantly influences moral behavior and moral values, suggesting that the effectiveness of moral education varies depending on the cultural background of the students. The study concludes that while moral education is influenced by cultural identity in a cross-cultural context, its impact on moral behavior and values differs among students from diverse cultural backgrounds.