Understanding human behavior is the main focus of psychology, of which morality is an important part. Nancy Eisenberg’s and Lawrence Kohlberg’s theories of moral development are two models that have been established regarding this study. The main similarity between the two models is that they both attempt to categorize developmental behaviors and reasoning in humans. Additionally, their models suggest that as individuals reach higher stages of reasoning, they develop their values and responses to certain situations. Both suggest that as a person progresses from one stage to a higher stage, they become more reasonable in their actions and less childlike in terms of reasoning and proving the validity of their actions.
Kohlberg’s model classifies behaviors and reasoning stages into three groups: the reasoning of a child, the reasoning of an adult, and a principled level. In contrast, Eisenberg’s model does not have such a classification. However, despite this difference, the stages in Eisenberg’s model suggest a similar trend in morality development as seen in Kohlberg’s model. Therefore, it can be concluded that both models have the same pattern in the development of human morality and reasoning.
Although the two models are considered to be different, Eisenberg’s model was developed in contrast to Kohlberg’s model. However, there are still some similarities that can be found between the two models. As an individual progresses through higher stages, they develop and become more mature. In both models, the stages grow from being a reason of a child to the reason of an adult who has their own set of beliefs and is driven by their own values that define what is right from wrong and what should or should not be done.
It can also be seen that there are some stages in Eisenberg’s model that seem to have an equal or similar stage in Kohlberg’s model. Both models consist of a stage where the selfishness of a child is shown and can be seen in their reasoning. In this stage, the main focus of reasoning and notion of what is good and bad is based on that person’s needs and wants. Good things are considered because they favor the person, and vice versa.
Another stage that can be seen in both models is the stage wherein the person reasons and acts because he or she is driven by the desire for approval. They perceive the goodness of a certain action based on the approval of those who surround them. They desire to be good and win the approval and respect of those within their area. Goodness is based on what is approved by people, and vice versa.
The last stages of Eisenberg’s and Kohlberg’s models share some similarities. Both suggest that there is a rare stage of reasoning that not everyone reaches. This stage reflects the person’s social awareness and developed social values, requiring involvement in societal issues, ethics, rules, and accepted morality. It involves not only personal wants and needs but also the protection of one’s morality and dignity. Prioritizing the benefit of society over individual benefit is also characteristic of this stage. A person who reaches this stage can be considered well-disciplined morally.
The main difference between the two models is that Kohlberg’s model is said to reflect a liberal political bias. Stage 4 of Kohlberg’s model seems to reflect conservative reasoning, while stage 5 reflects a more liberal perspective. Kohlberg’s model appears to show favoritism towards liberal viewpoints, suggesting that liberals are considered morally superior to conservatives. To address this issue, Eisenberg created a new model with the aim of illuminating this bias.
Still, these are just theories and models made to predict the behavior and development of human reasoning. There is no absolute theory in the field that can be considered true for all. Several factors need to be considered, which means that there will never be an absolute theory applicable to everyone. No model can accurately predict the stages of development of one’s morality and reasoning because each individual is unique.
Reference.
- The McGraw-Hill Companies (1997) provide a list of lecture topics.
- You can access this list by visiting http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/devel/kid-c/resources/1-lecture/l-14.htm.
