Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development is a theory that describes how individuals develop their

understanding of morality over time. Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights Orientation
-at the 5th stage of post conventional level, individuals recognize that laws and social norms are created
The theory consists of three levels, each of which has two stages. by people and are subject to change
-they believe that rules should be based on the mutual benefit of all members of society and that there
Level 1: Pre-conventional Morality are times when it may be necessary to challenge unjust laws.
-typically observed in young children -they are willing to weigh the interests of different groups and make decisions on what is fair and just
-individuals are focused on avoiding punishments and seeking rewards.
-their moral reasoning is based on their own self-interest and personal needs Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation
-individuals develop a sense of personal ethical principles that are independent of society’s rules and
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation norms
-at the first stage of the pre-conventional level, individuals view rules and authority as absolute. -they believe in the inherent value of all individuals and the importance of upholding human rights
-they obey rules to avoid punishment, and they believe that those who break rules should be punished. and dignity
-they are not able to take into account the needs or feelings of others -they are willing to stand up for their beliefs and principles, even if it means going against the social
norms and expectations
Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange Orientation
-individuals begin to consider the needs and desires of others
-they understand that others have their own self-interests and may engage in exchanges to meet their Critiques of Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
needs
For example: a child may share her toys with a friend in exchange for the friend sharing their toys in Cultural Bias
return. -one of the primary critiques of Kohlberg’s is that it is heavily influenced by western cultural values
and may not be applicable to people from different cultural backgrounds
-the stages were developed based on research with western participants, and critics argue that the
Level 2: Conventional Morality stages may not be relevant or accurate for individuals from other cultures
-at this level, individuals are focused on maintaining social order and conforming to societal norms
-they are concerned with being a good person and following the expectations of others Gender Bias
-Kohlberg’s theory is that it is biased towards males
Stage 3: Interpersonal Relationships Orientation -his research was conducted primarily with male participants, and some studies have found that
-at this level, individuals are focused on being perceived as a good person by others females tend to score lower on measures of moral reasoning than males
-they are motivated by a desire to maintain positive relationships with others and to be seen as kind, -critics argue that Kohlberg’s stages may not accurately reflect the moral development of females and
helpful, and cooperative other marginalized groups
-they conform to societal norms to fit in and be accepted by others
Limited Scope
Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order Orientation -his theory focuses primarily on moral reasoning and does not consider other factors that may influence
-at this level, individuals understand the importance of following the laws and rules of society moral development, such as emotions, empathy, and socialization
-they believe that laws are necessary for maintaining social order, and they feel a duty to obey them -critics argue that the theory provides an incomplete picture of moral development and may not fully
-they are concerned with upholding social order and maintaining the status quo capture the complexities of moral decision making

Lack of Empirical Support

Level 3: Post-Conventional Morality -do not consistently predict moral behavior in real-world situations
-third and final stage of moral development -this has led some to question the validity of the theory and its ability to accurately measure moral
-at this level, individuals are capable of thinking beyond the expectations of society and are willing to development
challenge social norms and conventions to uphold their own ethical principles
Hierarchy of Stages driven by their feelings of connection and responsibility toward others, which gradually evolve to
-critics raised concerns about the hierarchal nature of Kohlberg’s stages, which suggest that individuals encompass others and then expand to encompass everyone, including the self.
must progress through each stage in a linear fashion
Gilligan’s theory of moral development is composed of three phases.
Lack of Diversity -concern for survival
-his theory primarily focuses on the development of moral reasoning in white, middle-class males -goodness
-critics argue that the theory may not be representative of the experiences of individuals from different -imperative of care
socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and ethnicities
Concern for survival
In responses to these critics, Carol Gilligan’s theory of moral development focuses on the development -focuses on what is best for the self. However, it is the phase of moral development where selfishness
of care and empathy, which she argues is a key component of moral reasoning that is often overlooked takes place.
by Kohlberg’s theory -initially the self cares for itself in order to survive. Hence, anything that can benefit the self will be the
-some researchers have suggested that the stages of moral development may not be hierarchal and that basis for moral decision.
individuals may move back and forth between stages depending on the context and situation -in fact, Gilligan sees it logical that before one cares for another, one must care for herself first. Hence,
one should be responsible first for oneself before being responsible for others.
Despite critiques, Kohlberg’s theory remains a significant and influential theory in the field of
psychology As the individual matures, she realizes tat she is not alone. So she starts to acknowledge that the self is
also related with others in the community. In other words, she recognizes the presence of other selves.
This moment of realization transitions from self to see others as significant in her life. The connection
Gilligan's theory of moral development was created in response to the theory of moral development to others becomes the basis for moral judgment.
proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg, which she criticized for ignoring women's perspectives.
From self interest to being concerned with others. However, the kind of relationship tat self had with
Gilligan proposed that women come to prioritize an "ethics of care" as their sense of morality evolves others is not genuine because its instrumental. It is selfish as it only considers the advantages that it
along with their sense of self while men prioritize an "ethics of justice." can get from the relationship. So, there is no mutual recognition.
Men, she said, prioritize an "ethics of justice" where morality is centered on abstract principles and
rules that can be applied equally to everyone. Now, this recognition of the other’s presence leads to next phase of moral development, which is the
phase that focuses on goodness which includes a sense of sacrifice and responsibility. Here, the self
Meanwhile, women prioritize an "ethics of care," where morality is centered on interpersonal prioritizes the other. In this phase, the individual becomes aware that there are societal norms and
relationships and moral judgment is based on the context of an issue expectations and so this makes oneself aware to be part of society by adopting these norms.

Gilligan conducted several interview studies with girls and women, including one with women Thus, as Gilligan notes, a moral person is one who is capable of helping others and being at the service
who were deciding whether to have an abortion, in order to flesh out her ideas about women's of others as one’s obligations and responsibilities to others become her primary concern. And so, doing
morality. good to others is the basis of moral decisions.

Gilligan's theory used the same basic three-level outline as Kohlberg's along with two transitions The concern for others would lead to the third phase which focuses on the imperative of care.
between the levels. According to Gilligan, the individual attains a deeper appreciation of connectedness with self and
others, including responsibility to self and others as moral equals and a clear imperative to harm no
At the Preconventional Level, only the needs of the self are recognized. one.
At the Conventional Level, the needs of others are prioritized while the needs of the self are denied.
At the Postconventional Level, a balance is struck between the needs of the self and others. She now takes responsibility for her choices, in which projected consequence and personal intention
Transition through these levels is based on a woman’s consideration of wat she considers selfish. becomes the motivation for actions, rather than concern for the reaction of others. So, the moral decision
Throughout these levels, women’s sense of self , and the sense of morality that arises because of it, are is understood as exercise of choice and the willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.