Moral Reasoning Theory (Kohlberg and Gilligan)
Moral reasoning theory examines how individuals make decisions about right and
wrong and how moral judgement develops throughout life. Rather than focusing
solely on whether a decision is morally correct, moral reasoning theories explore
the thought processes people use when resolving ethical dilemmas. Within social
work, moral reasoning is fundamental because practitioners regularly encounter
situations involving competing rights, professional responsibilities and ethical
principles. Understanding how moral reasoning develops enables social workers
to reflect critically on their own decision making while recognising that
individuals may approach ethical issues from different perspectives (Banks,
2021).
One of the most influential theories of moral development was proposed by
psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg during the 1950s and 1960s. Building upon Jean
Piaget's work on cognitive development, Kohlberg argued that moral reasoning
develops through a series of universal stages as individuals mature and gain
social experience. He believed that people progress through increasingly
sophisticated ways of thinking about morality, moving from decisions based on
personal consequences towards reasoning based on universal ethical principles
(Kohlberg, 1981).
Kohlberg identified three levels of moral development, each consisting of two
stages. The first level, pre-conventional morality, is characterised by decisions
based on avoiding punishment or obtaining rewards. At this stage, individuals
judge actions according to their direct consequences rather than broader ethical
principles. The second level, conventional morality, involves conforming to social
expectations, maintaining relationships and following laws or rules because they
promote social order. The third level, post-conventional morality, is characterised
by reasoning based on universal ethical principles such as justice, equality and
human rights. Individuals at this level recognise that laws and rules may
sometimes need to be challenged if they conflict with fundamental moral values
(Kohlberg, 1981).
Although Kohlberg's theory became highly influential, psychologist Carol Gilligan
argued that it reflected a narrow understanding of moral development because it
was based primarily on research involving boys and men. In In a Different Voice
(1982), Gilligan proposed that many individuals, particularly women, approach
ethical decision making through an ethic of care rather than an ethic of justice.
Moral reasoning theory examines how individuals make decisions about right and
wrong and how moral judgement develops throughout life. Rather than focusing
solely on whether a decision is morally correct, moral reasoning theories explore
the thought processes people use when resolving ethical dilemmas. Within social
work, moral reasoning is fundamental because practitioners regularly encounter
situations involving competing rights, professional responsibilities and ethical
principles. Understanding how moral reasoning develops enables social workers
to reflect critically on their own decision making while recognising that
individuals may approach ethical issues from different perspectives (Banks,
2021).
One of the most influential theories of moral development was proposed by
psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg during the 1950s and 1960s. Building upon Jean
Piaget's work on cognitive development, Kohlberg argued that moral reasoning
develops through a series of universal stages as individuals mature and gain
social experience. He believed that people progress through increasingly
sophisticated ways of thinking about morality, moving from decisions based on
personal consequences towards reasoning based on universal ethical principles
(Kohlberg, 1981).
Kohlberg identified three levels of moral development, each consisting of two
stages. The first level, pre-conventional morality, is characterised by decisions
based on avoiding punishment or obtaining rewards. At this stage, individuals
judge actions according to their direct consequences rather than broader ethical
principles. The second level, conventional morality, involves conforming to social
expectations, maintaining relationships and following laws or rules because they
promote social order. The third level, post-conventional morality, is characterised
by reasoning based on universal ethical principles such as justice, equality and
human rights. Individuals at this level recognise that laws and rules may
sometimes need to be challenged if they conflict with fundamental moral values
(Kohlberg, 1981).
Although Kohlberg's theory became highly influential, psychologist Carol Gilligan
argued that it reflected a narrow understanding of moral development because it
was based primarily on research involving boys and men. In In a Different Voice
(1982), Gilligan proposed that many individuals, particularly women, approach
ethical decision making through an ethic of care rather than an ethic of justice.
