Each generation feels that the present generation does not have the same respect for basic principals as the past generation. Is this true today?
The Josephson Institute Survey
Michael Josephson, founder and president of The Josephson Institute Survey, said that he is very disappointed in his most recent survey of 29,760 high school students. The topic was ethics. 100 schools were selected randomly for this survey and students answered the survey anonymously. The survey included both public and private schools.
Some questions asked of the students were
- Have you stolen from a store?
- Have you stolen from a friend?
- Have you stolen from a parent?
- Have you stolen from a relative?
- Have you cheated on a test?
- Have you cheated on a test twice or more?
- Have you plagiarized on an assignment?
So, how did the students fare in their answers?
- 30% admit stealing from a store
- 20% admit stealing from a friend
- 23% admit stealing from a parent or a friend
- 64% admit cheating on a test
- 38% admit cheating two or more times last year
- 36% admit plagiarizing an assignment
- 42% admit lying to save money
Social Implications
The media has been revealing shocking financial information of deceit in the financial world that have caused the housing markets and investment houses to default. This has caused a financial recession in the United States and around the world. Citizens are stunned to learn that their life savings have disappeared because of a Ponzi scheme. One has to wonder what the future holds when the present high school students admit to such dishonesty. The banking, insurance and business industries require trust. After this survey, how much should the general population believe those they’ve entrusted with their financial future will be honest?
Student Pressures
In past generations, students may have participated in a few school activities. The graduation requirements were more lenient and fewer students had college plans. Today, the graduation standards are steeper, extra-curricular activities are emphasized more, sports are gaining in importance, and the competition for college entrance is increased. Students are stressed and the pressure to cheat is greater. Today's students have cell phones and computers and a greater temptation to cheat. The pressure to cheat is surprisingly on the top students who have more to lose.
Surprising Results
The Josephson Institute found one student response that was the more surprising than others. When asked if students were satisfied with personal ethics and character, 93% of students stated they were pleased with their personal ethics. In addition, 77% stated that "when it comes to doing what is right, I am better than most."
In spite of cheating on tests, plagiarizing, and stealing from parents and friends, students seem pleased with their own character and see themselves better than others around them. How disappointing.
Source: David Crary, washingtonpost.com, December 1, 2008
Related article: Why Children Lie
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