|
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 |
