Write a 3-paragraph response after reading the theories Kohlberg and Gilligan offer.
� Discuss your personal view on moral development and how you potentially contribute to someone�s
moral development as a teacher, family member, mentor, etc.
� Share 1 or 2 examples of how your view specifically relates to (supports or contradicts) Kohlberg and
Gilligan�s theories. Be sure to consider how the individuality of each student impacts your thinking about
this topic.
KOHLBERG VS GILLIGAN 2
The Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of the morality of justice suggests that the process of
attainment of moral maturity among children takes a longer period which goes against the
suggestion of Piaget’s work (Dubas, 2014). He suggested that children and people develop moral
reasoning through three levels of defined morality which involve, the nonconventional level
which is featured by logic based on certain principles, the conventional level which includes
thinking by necessity of norms and finally preconvention level which is featured by personal
perspectives (Dubas, 2014).
The theory apparently does not value the traditional nature of education activities that
suggests that certain virtues or vices form the foundation to moral behaviors. It also depicts that
moral behaviors of students can be effectively approached through focusing on the stages of
moral development. Carol Gilligan’s theory of morality of care suggests that the morality of
attention can significantly serve in place of the morality of justice as depicted by Kohlberg
(Dubas, 2014). Gilligan’s work emphasizes that care is a valuable element of moral reasoning
among students. The approach puts more concern and efforts to enhance empathy and more care
in students in the various institution of learning.
KOHLBERG VS GILLIGAN 3
Moral developments are viewed as a significant aspect of the life of every individual, for
example, teaching a student to differentiate between right from wrong and the needs of having
good morals (Dubas, 2014). As a teacher, I contribute to a moral development of learners
through setting a good example or being a role model and provision of counseling to students on
the significance of having good morals. My personal view on moral development is that students
with good morals exhibit prosocial behavior as well as character traits for example being honest,
fairness and having respect which supports Gillian theory.
In a nutshell, Kohlberg’s and Gillian theories of moral development differs in one way or
another. However, each, and every approach tries to pinpoint various intrigues on moral
developments among learners.
KOHLBERG VS GILLIGAN 4
Reference
Dubas, K. M., Dubas, S. M., & Mehta, R. (2014). THEORIES OF JUSTICE AND MORAL
BEHAVIOR. Journal Of Legal, Ethical & Regulatory Issues, 17(2), 17-35.
