Human Development M7.2 D

There is an emphasis in American culture on developing a strong sense of autonomy and independence as we grow older. Although Erikson was keenly aware that there is a constant tension between independence and belonging, a theme running throughout his developmental theory is that in order to advance to higher stages of development we must achieve a stronger sense of independence, increasingly liberating ourselves from our dependence upon others. Is our focus in America on autonomy and independence an unmitigated good or are there other possibilities?

Looking at moral reasoning in America, Carol Gilligan contends that the emphasis on autonomy and independence is based on a masculine ideal, whereas a focus on social relationships, empathy, and interconnectedness lies at the heart of the feminist perspective.

1) In your initial discussion post, please describe Gilligan’s case for gender bias in Kohlberg’s theory of moral reasoning. How does she justify her argument?

2) How does her theory of moral reasoning relate to Erikson’s ideas about the relationship between autonomy and intimacy?

3) Finally, in your own upbringing, were interdependence/empathy or independence/autonomy emphasized more? At what ages (be specific with at least one example)? Did the focus change as you grew older? Was it different in your family depending on your gender? What perspective would you try to emphasize with your own (perhaps hypothetical) children? Would it be different for different genders? This last set of questions is asking for your opinion about these issues in moral reasoning and there is not a correct answer, but you should engage the course readings in your responses.

Please post a response, and respond thoughtfully to at least one other person’s posting.

ANSWER

Human Development M7.2 D

Kolhberg, in his moral development theory, pursues abstract moral principles. According to Kohlberg, men reached this stage of moral reasoning than women. According to Giligan women’s moral reasoning is contextual and grounded, and the aim is to make ethical decisions that will preserve both self and the relationship with others. Giligan’s theory of morality follows Kohlberg’s stages which are the pre-conventional stage where women are mostly focused on survival and self-interest (Muuss, 1988). The conventional stage is where women prioritize selflessness and caring for others, and the post-conventional stage is where they take responsibility for their actions and take control of their lives.

Autonomy vs. shame is the second stage of Erickson’s theory of development. Autonomy is the development of a sense of self. The theories of moral development are also involved with the development of a sense of self, such as caring for oneself (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019). According to Giligan’s conventional stage, the woman is focused on caring for others. In this stage and in Erickson’s autonomy, one has developed a sense of self and can care for others. They can have lovers and families with children as they can take care of them.

In my upbringing, my parents focused more on independence and autonomy. I remember being asked what I wanted to do. My father emphasized letting us make the choices in our lives. This helped us develop a sense of autonomy and independence. I do not believe it would have been different if I were of the opposite gender and we were all treated equally. My mother was more inclined toward interdependence and empathy, but my father insisted on giving us autonomy and letting us make independent decisions. I cannot complain about this because I feel it helped me grow.

References

Muuss, R. E. (1988). Carol Gilligan’s theory of sex differences in the development of moral reasoning during adolescence. Adolescence, 23(89), 229.

Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan development: A psychological perspective. Marth Lally & Valentine-French, Suzanne.