Problem
Psychologist Carol Gilligan (1982) believes that Kohlberg's theory does not adequately reflect relationships and concern for others. She feels that Kohlberg greatly under-played the care perspective in moral development, due to being male, using primarily males for his research, and basing his theory on male "justice" responses. Gilligan's research found that girls consistently interpret moral dilemmas in terms of human relationships. Other research has found that the gender differences in moral reasoning are not absolute (Walker, 1989). What are your thoughts on this? What other factors might play into moral development?
1) Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
2) Walker, L. J. (1989). A longitudinal study of moral reasoning. Child Development, 60, 157-166.