PYC4805 Assignment 2 2025 (Answer Guide) - Due 27 June 2025 Critically Evaluating Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development in Adolescents Introduction Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is one of the most influential psychological frameworks for understanding how individuals develop moral reasoning. Building upon Jean Piaget’s foundational work, Kohlberg proposed a stage-based progression consisting of six distinct stages, grouped into three broader levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional (Kohlberg, 1981). According to his theory, individuals move sequentially through these stages as they mature cognitively and socially. This developmental trajectory, particularly during adolescence, has been a central concern in psychological and educational discourse. While Kohlberg’s model has received widespread acclaim for its systematic structure and empirical foundation, it has also been the subject of significant critique. Critics have pointed to its cultural bias, gender limitations, and overemphasis on justice reasoning to the neglect of other moral dimensions such as care, empathy, and cultural context (Gilligan, 1982; Turiel, 2002). This essay critically evaluates Kohlberg’s theory with a focus on adolescents, substantiating the discussion with contemporary research and providing practical examples for each of the six stages. Understanding Kohlberg’s Six Stages of Moral Development Kohlberg’s theory divides moral reasoning into three hierarchical levels, each comprising two stages. These stages are sequential
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