Following the pre-conventional stage, the next important stage in human development,
according to Kohlberg, is the conventional stage. It is generally reached when the transition is
made from childhood to adolescence. Linn wrote, " with progress in moral stage, the adolescent
is believed to be more sensitive to the morality of particular circumstances as his or her
judgement becomes free of personal and situational constraints " ( Linn, 1996, p. 60 ). The
individual becomes less self-centered in terms of morality, viewing what is right based on what
parents and society deem acceptable. In addition, the individual looks at intention as well as
outcome when judging other people ( Macionis, 1995, p. 62 ).
Finally, the post-conventional stage is reached as the individual begins to compare the
morality of society with more abstracts ethical principles. He or she realizes that what society
deems legal may not be morally right ( Linn, 1996, p. 62 ).
Critical Analysis of Kohlberg
Kohlberg's theory divides moral development into identifiable stages. Many of the same
criticisms made of Kohlberg were made of researchers such as Piaget, who also studied stages of
development in humans. For instance, it remains unconfirmed whether this theory applies to
individuals of all societies or of just our own ( Macionis, 1995, p. 132 ). In addition, it is believed
that many people don't reach the final stage of moral development as Kohlberg describes it,
which, in essence, is complete autonomy.
The primary criticism with Kohlberg's findings was that his research was based wholly on
boys. He then made the mistake of generalizing his findings to all of society. Carol Gilligan
took exception to Kohlberg's methodology and set out to explain the issue of the " portrayal of
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