Moral-development / Moral Development / Differences in the approaches

Differences in the approaches

Theory

Focus

Stages of Moral Development

Gender Differences

Piaget

Cognitive development             

Heteronomous morality: rules are fixed and unchangeable; Autonomous morality: rules can be changed through negotiation and agreement among individuals        

No explicit focus on gender differences

 

 

Kohlberg

Moral reasoning             

Preconvention morality: focus on self-interest; Conventional morality: focus on social norms and expectations; Postconventional morality: focus on abstract principles of justice and fairness             

No explicit focus on gender differences

Gilligan

Gender and moral reasoning          

Preconvention stage: self-interest and obedience; Conventional stage: focus on social relationships and expectations; Postconventional stage: balance between self and others        

Emphasis on differences between males and females, with females more likely to use an "ethic of care" focused on empathy and responsibility to others, and males more likely to use an "ethic of justice" focused on principles of fairness and individual rights