What Would Kohlberg, Piaget, Freud and Gilligan Say About Moral Development in the 21st Century? Part-1

As an Adjunct Professor teaching sociology to undergraduates, I am often confronted by my students with questions about the state of morality in today's society.

It seems that the moral frameworks we once relied upon are eroding, leaving us to question what guides ?our moral and ethical compass today. This erosion of morality is witnessed at the macro level of our highest form of leadership to the micro level in our own homes.

The frameworks established by pioneering theorists such as Lawrence Kohlberg, Jean Piaget, Sigmund Freud, Lev Vygotsky, and Carol Gilligan provide invaluable insights into understanding and addressing the erosion of morality in today’s world.

This article explores their perspectives and offers a call to action for each of us to contribute to restoring morality in our human experiences.

What is Morality?

In its most basic meaning, morality can be defined as:

• Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong; or good and bad behavior.
• Established standards that enable people to live cooperatively in groups.
• A system of principles and values involving people's behavior, that is typically accepted by a society or a particular group of people.

Interestingly, morality isn’t static. It is a dynamic concept that varies and is influenced by one’s culture, geographics, religion, family and life experiences. Furthermore, there is not a consensus on how morality is developed (Morin, 2024). Yet, moral development is a fundamental aspect of human experiences, guiding our decisions, behaviors, and interactions - to do no harm.

The theories of moral development put forth by Kohlberg, Piaget, Freud, and Gilligan offer timeless principles that can help us navigate these challenges and rebuild a more morally conscious society.

Of the presented group, at 86 years of age, Gilligan has outlived her counterparts and is witnessing the transformation of moral development. I wondered what types of comments each theorist would have to say about the erosion of morality in our society. I would guess each of their conversations would go like this.

Lawrence Kohlberg: Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg's theory of moral development posits that individuals progress through six stages of moral reasoning, from a pre-conventional level focused on self-interest to a post-conventional level where abstract principles and justice prevail.

Kohlberg might say:

Today’s societal changes have fragmented our shared moral values, resulting in a regression to pre-conventional reasoning where personal gain and immediate gratification overshadows communal well-being. To restore moral integrity, society must foster environments that encourage higher stages of moral reasoning, emphasizing compassion, empathy, justice, and universal ethical principles.

True moral development requires the courage to question unjust norms and to champion principles of justice and equality, even in the face of adversity. It is through this higher-level moral reasoning that we can address the deep-seeded issues plaguing our society.

Jean Piaget: Social-Cognitive Development of Morality

Piaget's theory connects moral development with social-cognitive development, highlighting how children's interactions with their environment shape their understanding of morality. Today, he would likely focus on the impact of technology and digital media on the moral and social-cognitive development of today's youth.

Piaget might report:

In an era where digital interactions often replace face-to-face communication, the development of compassion, empathy and moral understanding is at risk. It is essential to foster environments where children can engage in meaningful, cooperative activities that promote both cognitive and moral growth. Educators and parents must prioritize real-world interactions to nurture well-rounded, morally conscious individuals.

Sigmund Freud: Psychoanalytic Perspective of Moral Development

Freud’s (e.g., famously known as the father of psychoanalysis), theory emphasizes the role of the unconscious mind, the id, ego, and superego in moral development. Today, he would likely delve into the unconscious motivations behind the present immoral behaviors and the influence of early childhood experiences.

Freud might contend:

The erosion of morality in the 21st century can be traced to unresolved unconscious conflicts and the weakening of the superego, which governs our sense of right and wrong. Addressing this requires a deeper understanding of the psychological underpinnings of behavior and the reinforcement of moral values from early childhood through consistent, nurturing guidance.

Carol Gilligan: Ethics of Care Perspective of Morality

Gilligan's critique of Kohlberg's theory highlights the importance of care and relationships in moral development, particularly from a feminist perspective. She addresses how contemporary societal shifts have impacted the moral voices of both men and women as noted in her publication “In a Human Voice .”

Gilligan might argue:

In today's society, the ethics of care and relational understanding of morality is often overshadowed by a predominantly justice-oriented framework. To restore moral balance, we must value and incorporate perspectives that emphasize care, empathy, and interconnectedness. This approach is crucial in addressing moral dilemmas and fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Conclusion

Reflecting on these theories, it is evident that moral development remains a complex and multifaceted process. As leaders, educators, parents, and community members, let us commit to nurturing these values and reinforcing the frameworks that uphold our morality and ethical standards.

Each of us has a role to play in this endeavor, whether through leadership, education, personal / professional development, or community engagement. The legacy of Kohlberg, Piaget, Freud and Gilligan offers us a roadmap for this essential journey.

By fostering environments that encourage compassion, empathy, justice, and interconnectedness, we can contribute to the restoration of morality in our world and guide future generations towards a more morally grounded, ethical and empathetic future. “Morality does not have to die because morality still matters.”

Our next installment of Part 2- "Morality Matters" will explore morality from the nonsecular perspective.

References

Morin, A. (2024). What is morality? Societal underpinnings of “right” and “wrong.” Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-morality-5076160.

McCloud, S. (2024). Kohlberg’s stages of moral development. Retrieved from?? https://www.simplypsychology.org/kohlberg.html .

McCloud, S. (2024). Piaget’s theory of moral development. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/piaget-moral.html .

NYU Law News. (2019). Why Feminism Now? Carol Gilligan and David Richards argue that feminist resistance to patriarchy is the key to saving democracy. ??????????????????????????Retrieved from https://www.law.nyu.edu/news/ideas/darkness-now-visible-why-does-patriarchy-persist-carol-gilligan-david-richards-resisting-injustice .

Peirson-Hagger, E. (2023). Carol Gilligan: Why I changed my mind on the gender binary. Retrieved from https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/books/2023/10/carol-gilligan-gender-binary-human-voice .