Gilligan’s Theory of Moral Development and Gender

Socialization SOCI 1306 Gilligan’s Theory of Moral Development and Gender The 1936-born sociologist Carol Gilligan made a significant contribution to the discussion of moral growth by refuting the dominant views of her day, especially those advanced by Lawrence Kohlberg. Though Kohlberg's theory of moral growth was revolutionary in its own right when it first surfaced in the 1950s and 60s, it was severely limited by the fact that all of his research was done on male individuals. Gilligan questioned whether Kohlberg's conclusions were intrinsically biassed because of the lack of female viewpoints, or if they truly mirrored universal patterns of moral growth as a result of this male-centric approach. Gilligan's main research issue was whether female participants in comparable moral quandaries would react differently and whether a female social scientist, with her particular viewpoint, would identify distinct patterns in the data. Gilligan started a thorough investigation of potential disparities in boys' and girls' moral development in order to answer these problems. According to her study, there are differences between the ways that men and women view and handle moral concerns. Gilligan said that males tended to have a justice viewpoint, which is defined by a focus on laws, regulations, and impersonal concepts of justice. Justice is emphasised as the ultimate moral reasoning, which is consistent with Kohlberg's phases of moral growth. Gilligan, on the other hand, discovered that females frequently displayed a viewpoint of caring and responsibility. This method, which emphasises empathy, connections, and the motivations behind people's behaviours, reflects a more relational and context-sensitive kind of moral reasoning. Although Gilligan's discoveries were groundbreaking and provided a useful assessment of Kohlberg's work, her research was closely examined by scientists. Her research's limited sample size, which questioned the findings' generalizability, was one of the main criticisms levelled at her. Gilligan's findings have not been easily replicated in later research, indicating that the changes she saw may not be as significant or widespread as first believed. Furthermore, detractors contended that the disparities in moral reasoning between boys and girls had more to do with the impacts of socialisation than with underlying differences in moral development. As it teaches boys and girls the social norms and behaviours expected of them depending on their sex, gender socialisation is vital in forming behaviour and moral reasoning. The impact of Gilligan's work endures in spite of these critiques. She emphasised that Kohlberg's theory tacitly accepted the superiority of the justice perspective, which is frequently thought to be more logical and impartial. Conversely, Gilligan argued that neither the care nor the justice perspectives were intrinsically "better." Rather, she contended that they had distinct functions and were moulded by various socialisation procedures. According to her theory, boys are socialised for settings like the workplace, where following policies and procedures is essential to maintaining efficiency and order. Conversely, girls are raised in homes where providing for their needs, taking care of others, and upholding harmony call for a more adaptable and compassionate attitude. Gilligan's criticism and later ideas emphasised how crucial it is for psychological research to incorporate a variety of viewpoints. She disproved Kohlberg's androcentric prejudice and expanded our knowledge of moral psychology by looking at both male and female moral development. Her focus on connections and care gave the study of morality a fresh perspective that recognises the complexity of interpersonal relationships and the moral significance of empathy and accountability. In addition, Gilligan's research sparked a larger conversation on how socialisation influences moral thinking. It clarified the ways in which moral beliefs and ethical behaviour are shaped by cultural norms and expectations. This viewpoint is consistent with more general sociological ideas that highlight the influence of cultural norms and social institutions on human behaviour. Gilligan's study advanced a more comprehensive theory of moral growth that takes into consideration societal and individual issues by incorporating these observations. In summary, Carol Gilligan's contributions to the study of moral growth have influenced psychology and sociology for a long time. Her critique of Kohlberg's male-centric theory and investigation of gender variations in moral reasoning have paved the way for further study and brought attention to the significance of taking a variety of viewpoints into account while conducting scientific research. Even though her results have drawn criticism and have not been widely accepted, the main ideas she raised in her research are still relevant in today's debates about gender, morality, and socialisation. Gilligan's influence is rooted in her dedication to a more complex and inclusive theory of human development, one that acknowledges the interaction between social environment and personal psychology.