Moral Foundations Theory and DEI: How Political Ideologies Shape Responses to Diversity Efforts in South Korean Housing Policies

Abstract ―​

This paper examines the various political responses to housing policies in South Korea using the Moral Foundations Theory (MFT). Building upon the MFT framework of moral concerns, which includes care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and sanctity, the research analyzes how different moral concerns underpin attitudes to housing affordability, government intervention, and property rights. The study finds that the younger generation, which is largely a renter generation and faces housing insecurity, will seek policies that aim to create care and equity foundations so that there is equal accessibility to affordable housing. Older homeowners believe in authority and loyalty foundations and desire market-driven approaches that protect property values and personal responsibility. Based on survey responses and case study analysis, the research illustrates the housing crisis in South Korea as a problem of sharp price increases and an intergenerational equity gap and that moral-emotional responses are related to specific political ideologies. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) frameworks can serve to bridge these ideological splits by promoting moral perspectives and inclusive discussions of policy. Furthermore, these findings may serve as moral psychology insights in public policy debates and can provide valuable guidance on how to make transitions to housing in contexts of highly urbanized and economically unequal societies more politically feasible.