Group Identity, Moral Expansiveness, and Generosity Across 69 Countries

Group identity is theorized to shape how widely people extend moral concern. Yet, expansive moral concern is often assumed to undermine local bonds. Using data from 51,404 adults across 69 countries, we tested whether distinct forms of group connection predict moral circle expansiveness (MCE) and whether MCE predicts generosity in a zero-sum allocation task. In multilevel models, social belongingness predicted higher MCE, whereas collective narcissism predicted lower MCE; national identification was unrelated. MCE, in turn, predicted keeping less for oneself and allocating more to both national and international charities while controlling for demographics. Demographic correlates were also robust. Specifically, older age, higher subjective SES, being female, and left-leaning ideology predicted greater MCE. Country-level follow-ups showed heterogeneity in significance but broadly consistent directional patterns, particularly for behavioral outcomes. These findings suggest expansive moral concern is compatible with secure connection, constrained by exclusionary identity, and meaningfully linked to generosity across diverse societies.