Which of the Following Psychologists Developed the Three Stages of Moral Development for Women?

 

Lawrence Kohlberg is one of the most well-known psychological researchers who studied women's moral development. However, women scored lower on their tests than men. In addition, Erik Erickson thought that women's development included separation from their families and mother. So, which of the following psychologists developed the three stages of moral development for women? Which stage of moral development did women reach?

Lawrence Kohlberg

A psychological model developed by Lawrence Kohlberg, one of the most influential modern psychologists, distinguishes between three distinct stages in the moral development of women: early, middle, and late. Each stage is accompanied by a moral stance, and each shows how an individual's character and values evolve. In the early stage, people's focus is on being a good person, obeying the law, and following social orders. During the middle stage, people's moral development is focused more on individual rules and principles, such as the principle of a just agreement.

In stage two, the woman becomes more socially aware, and she begins to develop empathy and compassion. However, at this stage, women do not consider themselves moral beings, and they are often unaware of the importance of this development. In stage three, women are still influenced by family values and their role in society. Kohlberg's theory also addresses the importance of a positive self-image.

In stage five, women move towards the development of self-conscience. While stage three is characterized by an awareness of individual rights and values, stage five is concerned with preserving society as a whole. They have become more hesitant to engage in civil disobedience, but are more committed to their social contract and democratic agreements. They have a more intense commitment to justice, and the responsibility to resist injustice arises from this commitment.

Carol Gilligan

Many psychologists have come up with various systems of moral development for women, but Gilligan was the first to make this distinction. Her work was influenced by three different studies, including one that examined the concept of the self in women as compared to men. Another study focused on the concept of rights and responsibilities in men and women of different ages. From these studies, Gilligan developed a framework for ethics of care.
In her theory, a woman must move through two distinct moral levels: pre-conventional and conventional. In conventional morality, a woman's values focus on self-interest and survival, while post-conventional morality focuses on caring for and helping others. In post-conventional moral development, women should show empathy, self-respect, and responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
In addition to Kohlberg's theory, Gilligan examined the development of moral reasoning in women. She concluded that Kohlberg's stages did not accurately reflect women's moral thinking. Instead, she derived a system of three stages for female moral development. Stage one is characterized by selfish concerns. Stage two is characterized by increasing recognition of responsibility towards others, and stage three focuses on making decisions based on their own personal best interests.

Carol Gilligan and Lawrence Kohlberg

Traditionally, women have been oriented towards the concept of selflessness, prioritizing the needs of others over their own. However, this view is changing, and women are increasingly choosing to act on their own needs. Postconventional women are more likely to take responsibility for their actions and to care for others, instead of just themselves. They tend to view morality as a process of care and concern for others while focusing on their interests.

In their research, Gilligan examined the development of morality in women and interviewed 29 pregnant women. She concluded that Kohlberg's model was not representative of women's moral thinking. Instead, she proposed three stages of female moral development. In the early stage, women's moral development was driven by their concerns and desires, while in stage two, they were more concerned with the welfare of others. Finally, at stage three, they make decisions based on what is best for them.

In the first stage, women's morality is entirely centered on themselves. This stage of moral development is often associated with traditional conceptions of feminine goodness and focuses on caring for others. However, this stage of moral development is not without its flaws. While caring for others is a good thing, it often devalues the self. In level two, a woman's morality is increasingly motivated by the concept of self.