Summarize Kohlberg's theory of moral development, including the major criticisms

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Lawrence Kohlberg developed a theory of moral development based on how people explained a hypothetical moral decision that they were asked to make. He suggested a model consisting of three levels, each of which has two stages. The first level is called preconventional morality. In Stage 1, moral decisions are based on anticipated punishments and rewards. Behavior that is rewarded is good; behavior that is
punished is bad. In Stage 2, personal interest continues to drive moral decisions. Good behavior is that which serves to better one's own interests. The second level is called conventional morality. In Stage 3, moral decisions are viewed as a means to impress others. In Stage 4, moral decisions are based on social order or laws. The third level is called postconventional morality. In Stage 5, moral decisions are a function of the social contract. In Stage 6, moral decisions are based on universal values that supersede laws or the social contract. Although there is some cross-cultural support for Kohlberg's model, some people have suggested it does reflect a Western bias with its focus on individual rights and social justice. Similarly, there are claims that the model is biased against women. According to Carol Gilligan, males utilize a justice perspective, whereas females utilize a caring perspective. Kohlberg's model overemphasizes the former since most of his research used male subjects.