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Chapter 10: Problem 4

Describe how children's sense of right and wrong changes in middle childhood. According to Kohlberg, people pass from preconventional morality (motivated by rewards and punishments), through conventional morality (motivated by social reference), to postconventional morality (motivated by a sense of universal moral principles). Gilligan has sketched out an alternative progression for girls, from an orientation toward individual survival, through goodness as self-sacrifice, to the morality of nonviolence.

Short Answer

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Children's sense of right and wrong transforms over the course of middle childhood. According to Kohlberg's theory, children progress from a preconventional morality centered on rewards and punishments, to a conventional morality driven by societal rules, and possibly to a postconventional morality guided by universal moral principles. Gilligan, on the other hand, proposed a progression from an orientation towards individual survival, through understanding goodness as self-sacrifice, to the morality of nonviolence.

Step by step solution

01

Detail Kohlberg's Theory

The first part of the discussion focuses on Kohlberg's theory of moral development. According to Kohlberg, children's morals are initially preconventional. In this stage, their actions are based on anticipated rewards or punishments. As these children grow into middle childhood, they develop a conventional morality in which respect for rules and standards of their social group drives their behavior. Eventually, some individuals may reach postconventional morality where they act based on universal moral principles and a developed personal sense of justice and fairness.
02

Detail Gilligan's Theory

The second part is a discussion on Gilligan's counter-proposal to Kohlberg's theory. Gilligan argued that girls might develop moral reasoning differently. She suggested that girls initially have a focus on individual survival. Then, in the context of relationships with others, morality is seen in terms of self-sacrifice and responsibility for others. Finally, girls develop a focus on nonviolence, considering care and responsibility not just for oneself but for all beings involved.
03

Conclusion

Lastly, summarize the notable differences and similar progressions in Kohlberg's and Gilligan's theories. Both theorists suggest an initial self-centered view of the world that gradually becomes more socially and principled oriented. This shift demonstrates the transformation in children's sense of right and wrong during middle childhood.

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