Psychologist Carol Gilligan’s theory of moral development challenged traditional viewpoints.
At the lowest, the preconventional Level, the needs of the self are prioritized.
This evolves into the conventional Level to an understanding of how to be a moral member of society.
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Finally, at the highest level, the postconventional level, the individual adopts a universal idea of justice.
Kohlberg suggested most people wouldn’t reach the highest stages of his scale.
Men, she said, prioritize an “ethics of justice.”
In this approach, morality is centered on abstract principles and rules that can be applied equally to everyone.
The levels and transitions are outlined below.
This marks a significant moment where they understand that their earlier moral viewpoint might have seemed a bit self-focused.
Conventional Morality
At the conventional level, moral judgment becomes concentrated on caring for others.
This concern for others overrides their concern for themselves, leading to a morality focused on self-sacrifice.
Postconventional Morality
At the postconventional level, making moral judgments focuses on the principle of nonviolence.
It’s important to remember that your own needs matter just as much as the needs of others.
This balance leads many women to develop a universal ethic of care and concern for everyone around them.
Gilligan didn’t identify specific ages when the levels of moral development would be reached.
However, as Kohlberg did with his theory, she noted some women might not reach the highest level.
The transition through these levels hinges on how a woman reconsiders what she believes is selfish.
It’s important to remember thatboth gendersdevelop both orientations.
Research has continued to back up this assertion.
This research demonstrates that the moral development ofmen and womentends to follow different trajectories that emphasize different things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gilligan’s theory focuses on sex differences in moral reasoning.
Her theory suggests while men prioritize justice when making moral decisions, women prioritize a care orientation.
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