The Influence Of Cultural Diversity On Moral Behaviour Of Students At Kampala International University, Kampala District, Uganda

ABSTRACT

This study entitled "The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Moral Behaviour of Students" is

aimed at examining whether cultural diversity of students influence their moral behaviours .It

was guided by the objectives which included examining the sources of moral education to

individuals (Students of KIU), to explain the influence of family and culture on the

individuals' behaviours particularly university students, and to analyze the perceptions of

different students on their behaviours and culture.

Culture is the state of intellectual development of the society following what they found in

use traditionally longtime ago. It encompasses customs, ati and social institutions of a

particular society. These includes values, nom1s of society in religion, political, economics,

technology, medicine, mmriage, rules, songs, dance and rituals. Moral behavior is how

human beings relate with one another in their day to day life both physically and

psychologically.

According to the study, the different ethnic groups from which the difference members of

KIU come from with different cultures have led some people to asseti that those differences

in culture are responsible for the different moral behavior of some students which some

people condemn as being wrong. The study was both descriptive and analytical where

qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were employed to gather primary data,

and documentary review from different libraries was used to seek secondary data. Qualitative

methods included observation and interviews while quantitative method included

questionnaires. Data was presented statistically in tables, graphs, and chmis where

percentages were used.

From the field findings it was realized that the sources of moral education include family,

lecturers, religious institutions, peer groups and the media. Family influences individuals'

behaviours by teaching him or her. Language teaches solidarity and interpersonal relations

including respect. Culture influences individual moral behavior by acting as a foundation of

family rules and regulations. It exposes ones intellect to society and vice versa. It teaches one

the past, present and future life. It gives ones identity and responsibility in society. Different

KIU students perceive culture and moral behaviours in ways such as improving academically, having solidarity with fellow students, being obedient, having a good language command and

being developmental in social, political and economic aspects oflife.

In a nutshell it was realized that some students are immoral not because of diffe1~ng in culture but the influence of general environment makes one to behave poorly.