Declining Moral Values in Society: Identification of Concepts, Examination of Causes, Impact Assessment, and Provision of Solutions

Introduction: Ethics and moral life are fundamental pillars guiding humans toward a higher existence. Moral conduct shapes interpersonal relationships and determines inner growth, mental well-being, and social cohesion. Societies recognizing morality as a vital principle are more resilient against corruption, violence, and distrust (Ferdowsi & Arzani, 2018). Islamic teachings also emphasize moral excellence; the Qur’an states: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character” (Surah Al-Qalam, verse 4, trans. Fooladvand, 1994).
However, younger generations today show reduced adherence to traditional moral values. Technological changes, economic fluctuations, social media, and regional conflicts have collectively weakened core values such as honesty, loyalty, and respect (Moghaddam, 2015). Some consider ethics merely a private or spiritual matter, overlooking its direct social and material impact.
Recent studies highlight the ongoing importance of ethics in modern contexts. Zhou et al. (2023) stressed that morality is essential across all aspects of life, including education and business. Okipu (2022) demonstrated the critical role of ethics in teaching, showing that unethical behavior adversely affects both students and the education system. Karma Sherpa (2018) emphasized that professional ethics significantly influence students’ behavioral development.
This research focuses on student-teachers at Farhangian University in Kurdistan Province during the 2023–2024 academic year. As future educators, their ethical perspectives are crucial for transmitting values to the next generation. The study aims to identify ethical concepts that have diminished over time, analyze the causes and consequences of moral decline, and provide practical solutions grounded in cultural and religious traditions to strengthen and revive moral values in contemporary society. The findings offer insights into the ethical status of the academic community and can inform effective cultural and educational policy-making.
Findings: This study shows that in today's society, several moral concepts have become less important than in the past. Among the most important of these concepts are respect for elders, honesty, loyalty and keeping promises, responsibility, kinship, modesty, trustworthiness, contentment, helping others, empathy, justice, chastity of speech, and faith.
The main reasons for this decline include the influence of the media and cyberspace, increased individualism, economic pressures and financial crises, disregard for moral values, cultural changes (especially the effects of globalization), increased corruption, diminished worship of God, social injustice, weakening of the role of the family, illiteracy and lack of awareness, materialism, decreased social trust, and the promotion of inappropriate role models.
This decline in moral concepts has led to numerous negative results and consequences in society. These consequences include an increase in family problems and divorce rates, a decrease in mutual help and empathy, an increase in theft and fraud, the spread of lying, an increase in unhealthy competition, the emergence of antisocial behaviors, an increase in addiction, the creation of social insecurity, the spread of mental and psychological illnesses, the failure to pursue responsibilities, an increase in distrust and disrespect, an increase in suicide rates, an increase in the level of tension and fighting in society, and finally, the replacement of falsehood with truth.
Discussion: This research aimed to investigate ethical values, the reasons for their decline, and strategies for their revival from the perspective of Farhangian University students in the academic year 2024-2025. Findings indicate a significant decrease in fundamental ethical values such as respect for elders, honesty, loyalty, responsibility, and earning lawful sustenance compared to the past. This decline is relative and context-dependent, accompanied by cultural and media transformations.
Key reasons for this trend include the influence of media and cyberspace, increased individualism, economic pressures, Westernization, corruption, diminished religious beliefs, and the weakening of the family institution. The consequences manifest socially (theft, lying, mistrust), familially (increased divorce, reduced respect), and individually (suicide, irresponsibility).