Sex Differences in the Development of Moral Reasoning: A Critical Review

Abstract

WALKER, LAWRENCE J. Sex Differences in the Development of Moral Reasoning: A Critical Review. CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1984, 55, 677-691. In this article the bases for recent allegations of sex bias in Kohlberg's theory of moral development are discussed. Studies comparing the development of moral reasoning between the sexes are then reviewed. Only a few inconsistent sex differences have been found in childhood and adolescence. Some studies indicate that, in adulthood, males evidence higher moral development than females, but in these studies sex differences are confounded with differences in level of education and occupation. A metaanalysis (a statistical procedure for combining findings) supported the conclusion that the overall pattern is one of nonsignificant sex differences in moral reasoning. Discussion focused on implications for moral development theory and research.