The primary criticism of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is O a. it defines moral behavior largely in terms of concrete principles. O b. its potential lack of generality across cultures. O c. that it pertains to moral behavior rather than moral judgments. O d. its focus on moral behavior rather than moral reasoning. ME
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: b. its potential lack of generality across cultures.
Explanation:
Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development outlines how individuals progress through different stages of moral reasoning as they mature. His model is structured into three main levels — pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional — each consisting of two stages. Kohlberg argued that individuals move through these stages in a fixed order, and that higher stages represent more advanced moral reasoning.
The primary criticism of Kohlberg’s theory is its limited cross-cultural applicability. This critique is especially important because Kohlberg’s research was predominantly based on studies of white, middle-class American males. As such, critics argue that the theory reflects Western, individualistic conceptions of morality, which emphasize justice, autonomy, and abstract reasoning. In many non-Western cultures, however, moral reasoning may be more communally oriented, focusing on relationships, responsibilities, and social harmony rather than abstract principles of justice.
Notably, Carol Gilligan, a psychologist and former student of Kohlberg, was among the most prominent critics. She argued that Kohlberg’s stages devalue moral reasoning that is based on care and responsibility — approaches more commonly expressed in female participants, according to her research. Gilligan introduced the “ethics of care” as an alternative moral framework, which places greater emphasis on interpersonal relationships and the context of moral decisions.
Moreover, anthropological studies have shown that people in different cultures may not follow the same progression through Kohlberg’s stages, or may not reach the post-conventional stage at all, even as fully functioning moral individuals within their cultural contexts. This indicates that the model may not be universally applicable, thereby questioning its validity as a general theory of moral development.
In summary, the most significant critique of Kohlberg’s theory is its cultural bias, limiting its effectiveness in explaining moral development across diverse societies.
