Cultural approach to ethical development: A family and school environment education perspective

Abstract

Ethical development is deeply rooted in cultural values, family structures, and educational experiences. Understanding how culture, family, and education intersect is essential to fostering a holistic ethical framework that aligns with societal needs. This study compares African and Western contexts to investigate how culturally specific family engagement and educational strategies influence ethical development in children. A systematic review methodology was used in this study to analyze 45 peer-reviewed articles (25 from African contexts and 20 from Western contexts) published between 2021 and 2025. The analysis identified common themes such as communal engagement, respect for elders, promotion of autonomy, and individual responsibility. Findings suggest that African cultures prioritize communal values and respect for elders, fostering empathy and collective responsibility. In contrast, Western cultures emphasize autonomy and self-expression, promoting critical thinking and personal moral judgment. Integrating traditional and universal values supports children’s moral growth, offering a holistic framework for navigating ethical challenges in a diverse world. Educators and policymakers must create ethical education that combines communal and individualistic values to respect cultural diversity and promote universal virtues.