Which cognitive development theorist was criticized by Gilligan for gender bias?

Which cognitive development theorist was criticized by Gilligan for gender bias?

• A. Lawrence Kohlberg
• B. Jean Piaget
• C. Erik Erikson
• D. Lev Vygotsky

Answer: (A)

Gilligan challenged Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development by arguing it carries gender bias. Kohlberg’s model emphasizes justice, rights, and abstract principles as the mark of higher moral reasoning, a view rooted in studies predominantly with male participants. Gilligan pointed out that many people—especially women—reason morally through an ethics of care, focusing on relationships, responsibility, and context. This critique highlights a bias in measuring moral maturity, suggesting that Kohlberg’s criteria undervalued a different but equally valid moral perspective. The other listed theorists—Piaget, Erikson, and Vygotsky—are linked to cognitive, psychosocial, and sociocultural development respectively, but Gilligan’s gender-bias critique centers on Kohlberg’s work.

Gilligan challenged Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development by arguing it carries gender bias. Kohlberg’s model emphasizes justice, rights, and abstract principles as the mark of higher moral reasoning, a view rooted in studies predominantly with male participants. Gilligan pointed out that many people—especially women—reason morally through an ethics of care, focusing on relationships, responsibility, and context. This critique highlights a bias in measuring moral maturity, suggesting that Kohlberg’s criteria undervalued a different but equally valid moral perspective. The other listed theorists—Piaget, Erikson, and Vygotsky—are linked to cognitive, psychosocial, and sociocultural development respectively, but Gilligan’s gender-bias critique centers on Kohlberg’s work.