Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory and Evolutionary Morality Model on Views of Homosexuality

Abstract

The most well-known theory of morality is Lawrence Kohlberg’s stage theory of moral development. However, Kohlberg’s theory does not come without criticism. Other theorists and researchers have suggested that Kohlberg’s theory is very much “Westernized” and therefore, cannot be considered universal. Gilligan (1982) criticized Kohlberg for his use of mainly male participants and thereby having a male biased theory. Criticisms of Kohlberg’s model are discussed as well as the utility of using an evolutionary framework for morality. Differing perspectives on the morality of homosexuality are analyzed as an example of a situation in which individuals may utilize lower stage moral reasoning, despite having otherwise progressed through the sequential order. Disgust as it pertains to out-group discrimination is also discussed. Determining an understanding of evolutionary explanations for disgust towards homosexuality can aid in lowering rates of discrimination or the belief that homosexuality is morally wrong. Applications for lowering discrimination such as exposure to out-groups is discussed as well as potential avenues for future research.