In a Different Voice: Women's Conceptions of Self and of Morality

TLDR

Developmental psychology theories increasingly shape educational goals, yet scholars must examine their underlying assumptions and the adult model they promote. The paper argues for an expanded conception of adulthood that incorporates the feminine voice into developmental theory. She reviews psychological and literary sources and analyzes interviews with women contemplating abortion to derive an alternative sequence for women's moral development. Gilligan finds that existing developmental theories, especially Kohlberg’s stage theory, inadequately represent women's concerns and experiences.

Abstract

As theories of developmental psychology continue to define educational goals and practice, it has become imperative for educators and researchers to scrutinize not only the underlying assumptions of such theories but also the model of adulthood toward which they point. Carol Gilligan examines the limitations of several theories,most notably Kohlberg's stage theory of moral development, and concludes that developmental theory has not given adequate expression to the concerns and experience of women. Through a review of psychological and literary sources, she illustrates the feminine construction of reality. From her own research data, interviews with women contemplating abortion, she then derives an alternative sequence for the development of women's moral judgments. Finally, she argues for an expanded conception of adulthood that would result from the integration of the "feminine voice" into developmental theory.