Research suggests that children begin to internalize moral rules during the adolescent years when self-reflection and the desire to integrate and prioritize different core values is strongest (Blasi, 1983). Until then, they rely mostly on extrinsic forms of motivation in which they adopt the norms and rules of society, which they obey to avoid…

Decety et al. posited that family religiosity has a negative effect on children's altruism. However, a constructive reading of developmental psychologists suggests that religious nurture can enhance young children's moral development. Bloom and Harris offered evidence that infants and toddlers exhibit moral sensibilities and preschoolers engage…

Under models of moral and global citizenship education, compassion and caring are emphasized as a counterpoint to pervasive, heartless, neo-liberal globalization. According to such views, these and related emotions such as empathy, sympathy, and pity, can cause people to act righteously to aid others who are disadvantaged through no fault of their…