Social Perception in Moral Judgments of Interpersonal Transgressions - A Nigerian Sociocultural Context

Review of Gabrielle Adams , @O'Connor & @Belmi Social Perception in Moral Judgments of Interpersonal Transgressions

The article "Social Perception in Moral Judgments of Interpersonal Transgressions" by Adams, O'Connor, and Belmi (2022) delves into the complex role that social perception plays in shaping moral judgments of interpersonal transgressions. The authors explore how individuals assess the actions of others through the lens of social perception, focusing on the importance of factors such as intention, harm, and the social identities of both perpetrators and victims. The review underscores that moral judgments are not purely objective assessments of right and wrong but are influenced by underlying social dynamics and cognitive biases. The research draws on psychological studies to demonstrate how perceptions of morality are often influenced by empathy, proximity to the transgression, and the broader social context.

Brielle Adams’ contribution to this paper is notably linked to her work on social cognition and moral psychology, particularly how individuals navigate moral dilemmas in everyday life. Her insights into the cognitive biases involved in making moral judgments contribute significantly to the article's argument that social perception is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of moral reasoning.

Bobrisky, the EFCC, and Corruption Scandal

The findings of this article resonate deeply within the Nigerian sociocultural context, particularly in the ongoing corruption scandal involving the controversial public figure Bobrisky, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service. The case, which has captured widespread attention, revolves around allegations that Bobrisky bribed the EFCC with ?15 million to drop money laundering charges and subsequently bribed the Nigerian Prison Service with ?10 million to avoid being placed in prison, allegedly arranging a private apartment for serving the sentence instead.

In the context of Adams et al.’s research, this situation perfectly illustrates how social perception can distort moral judgment. Bobrisky’s status as a celebrity and influential figure in Nigeria’s media landscape seems to have played a significant role in how this transgression is being treated. The bribery allegations suggest a blatant disregard for legal and moral standards. Yet, the focus of the scandal has shifted toward those exposing the corruption rather than those engaging in it.

The Role of Social Perception in Bobrisky’s Case

One key point from Adams et al.’s article is that social power often protects transgressors from the harshest moral judgments. This can be seen in how Bobrisky’s alleged actions are handled. Instead of focusing on the severity of the bribery and the corruption it represents, the narrative has shifted toward a smear campaign against social media influencer Verydarkman, who exposed these corrupt dealings through an audio recording. The fact that high-ranking officials are reportedly coming after Verydarkman, instead of addressing the corruption claims, illustrates how social perception and power dynamics are shaping public moral judgments in Nigeria.

According to the authors, interpersonal relationships and the status of individuals involved play a crucial role in how moral transgressions are viewed. In this case, Bobrisky’s connections to powerful figures seem to shield him from significant moral or legal repercussions. Instead, attention is diverted toward discrediting the whistleblower, which reflects how public figures and those in power manipulate social perception to evade justice.

Sociocultural Relevance in Nigeria

Corruption is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, and the Bobrisky scandal exemplifies the imbalance in moral judgment that Adams et al. discuss. In Nigeria’s complex social hierarchy, where status and influence can often buy impunity, the public's perception of morality becomes skewed. When powerful figures like Bobrisky can allegedly use financial influence to bypass the legal system, the social perception of justice becomes distorted, reinforcing the idea that those with money and connections can act above the law.

This raises questions about the cultural acceptance of corruption and how moral judgment is applied selectively in Nigeria. As Adams et al. suggest, the moral transgressions of high-status individuals are often judged more leniently or are met with apathy. This reflects a systemic flaw in how social power influences moral and legal accountability, leading to a culture where corruption is normalized, especially when powerful figures are involved.

Verydarkman’s Exposure and the Backlash

Verydarkman’s social media exposé of Bobrisky’s dealings further complicates the moral landscape. Rather than addressing the serious allegations brought forward, the focus has shifted to silencing the whistleblower. This aligns with the findings of Adams et al., where social backlash is often directed at those who challenge the status quo or reveal uncomfortable truths about the powerful. In this case, instead of investigating Bobrisky and holding corrupt officials accountable, Verydarkman has become the target of smear campaigns from those implicated in the scandal.

The refusal of the authorities to sue Bobrisky for the allegations in the leaked audio recording but rather to silence Verydarkman underscores the moral disengagement that occurs when social perception is influenced by power dynamics. This is a clear example of the misallocation of moral judgment where the whistleblower is penalized while the transgressor is protected due to their status.

In conclusion, Adams, O'Connor, and Belmi's (2022) study on social perception in moral judgments offers valuable insights into the Nigerian context, where power and social status significantly shape how moral transgressions are judged. The Bobrisky scandal exemplifies this dynamic, as powerful figures use their influence to manipulate social perception and evade accountability. The sociocultural implications of this are profound, as it highlight the ongoing challenge of achieving justice in a system where social power can override moral and legal standards.