Gender Differences in Moral Development: Kohlberg-Gilligan Debate

Abstract

Morality is an important cornerstone for smooth functioning societies. It has been a burning issue for intellectuals and academics since times immemorial. Kohlberg-Gilligan debate is a recent addition to this long-standing historical issue. The present study attempts to understand gender differences in moral development using Kohlberg’s theoretical framework. Purposive and convenience sampling was used to select 84 college students (42 males, 42 females; 18-24 years). Content analysis was used to assess the responses given by the participants on five hypothetical moral dilemmas. The data was analysed using frequency, percentage, and chi-square test. Although there were no significant gender differences on each dilemma, overall responses given by the total sample indicated that females had a higher level of moral development compared to males. 39% of the total sample fell in the post-conventional level. The nature of the dilemma influenced the participant’s placement on the stage. The findings have consequences for Indian young adults’ moral reasoning as well as the steady shift in male and female societal roles.