GALAGAR, CRIZEL M.

BSCE 2-D

Chapter 4: Gender and Moral Issues

1. Do morals vary gender? Why is gender equality a moral issue? Cite samples to support your
claim.

Morals themselves are not inherently tied to gender; they are more closely
connected to an individual's beliefs, values, and upbringing. However, societal norms and
cultural expectations can sometimes lead to variations in how certain moral principles are
applied to different genders.

Gender equality is a moral issue because it addresses the fundamental principle

that all individuals, regardless of their gender, deserve equal rights, opportunities, and
treatment. It is grounded in the belief that no one should be discriminated against or
disadvantaged based on their gender. Promoting gender equality is a matter of justice, fairness,
and human dignity.

In the context of the Philippines, here are some sample situations that illustrate why gender
equality is a moral issue:

• Equal Pay and Opportunities

In the workplace, if a woman and a man with similar qualifications and job
responsibilities are not paid equally or provided with the same growth opportunities, it reflects
an unjust practice that infringes upon the moral principle of fairness.

• Domestic Responsibilities

Expecting women to shoulder the majority of domestic and caregiving

responsibilities, without an equitable distribution of these tasks within families, goes against
the moral principle of shared responsibilities and mutual respect.

• Education and Empowerment

Denying girls access to education or limiting their opportunities for personal and
professional growth deprives them of their basic rights and potential. This contradicts the moral
value of ensuring equal chances for self-improvement and empowerment.
2. Discuss comprehensively Kohberg's Stages of Moral Development.

According to Lawrence Kohlberg's view of the phases of moral development,

moral thinking develops via six distinct stages that are divided into three levels. People make
moral decisions at the pre-conventional level based on self-interest, avoiding punishment
(Stage 1), or receiving rewards (Stage 2). The conventional level involves abiding by societal
norms and regulations, with stages 3 and 4 emphasizing upholding social order and rules that
serve the greater good. The post-conventional level goes beyond societal norms, focusing on
moral principles and personal ethics (Stage 5) and the recognition of universal moral principles
(Stage 6). This theory is important in life as it provides insight into the development of
individuals' ethical reasoning and decision-making abilities. It highlights that moral thinking
evolves over time, influenced by cognitive development and exposure to different perspectives.
Understanding these stages can foster empathy, tolerance, and improved communication by
recognizing that individuals may be at different moral stages. Furthermore, it encourages
individuals to reflect on their own moral beliefs and encourages growth towards higher stages
of moral development, ultimately contributing to a more just and ethical society. In conclusion,
Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development provides a framework to understand the development
of moral reasoning, illuminating how individuals see and resolve ethical conundrums. Its
importance rests in encouraging empathy, tolerance, and personal development while also
assisting in the growth of a more moral and just society by fostering better judgment and an
awareness of other moral perspectives.

3. Compare and Contrast Kohlberg's and Gilligan's point of view on Moral issues.

The moral perspectives of Kohlberg and Gilligan reflect different but

complimentary points of view, each providing particular insights into the complexity of ethical
thinking. As was previously mentioned, Lawrence Kohlberg's thesis describes a six-stage process
of moral development based on cognitive growth and reasoning. In contrast, Carol Gilligan's
strategy focuses on the ethical growth of women and highlights the importance of connections,
care, and relationships in helping people make moral decisions.

Kohlberg's framework is rooted in cognitive growth, with an emphasis on

abstract reasoning and adherence to universal moral principles. His stages highlight the
evolution from self-interest to a sense of duty to a broader social contract and finally to
internalized ethical principles. In contrast, Gilligan's theory challenges Kohlberg's male-centric
perspective by arguing that women often prioritize caring and relational aspects in their moral
considerations. Her "ethics of care" theory posits that moral judgments should not only be
based on rules and principles, but also on the impact of actions on relationships and empathy.
These opposing points of view are important because they help us comprehend moral
development more thoroughly. By offering a clear framework for determining moral
development and directing ethical education, Kohlberg's theory has played a significant role in
influencing psychology and education. However, Gilligan's viewpoint provides a corrective lens,
highlighting the possible drawbacks of Kohlberg's male-dominated methodology. Gilligan's
ethics of care theory challenges conventional ideas of moral reasoning and promotes a more
open-minded approach to ethical conversations by emphasizing the value of care and
relationships. In the broader context, the comparison between Kohlberg and Gilligan serves to
highlight the complexity and diversity of human moral reasoning. While Kohlberg's stages offer
a valuable framework for understanding the progression of moral thinking, Gilligan's emphasis
on care underscores the importance of considering individual differences and the role of
empathy in ethical decision-making. Integrating both perspectives can lead to a more holistic
understanding of morality, promoting empathy, compassion, and a broader acceptance of
diverse approaches to ethical dilemmas.

In conclusion, Kohlberg and Gilligan give opposing perspectives on moral

dilemmas, with Gilligan emphasizing care and connections and Kohlberg focusing on cognitive
growth and general principles. Their combined contributions to a deeper knowledge of moral
growth, as well as their willingness to confront conventional wisdom and promote a more
inclusive and sympathetic approach to ethical reasoning, make them significant. Individuals and
cultures can create a more complex and all-encompassing approach to addressing complicated
moral quandaries by incorporating various ideas.