Comparriosn of Erik thoery and Kohlbergs theory

Kohlberg 's theory of moral development are designed to meet certain criteria

On a qualitative level , they are different ways of thinking

They are structured wholes

The progress of the stages is an invariant sequence

They are hierarchical

They are universal across cultures

Kohlberg uses these stages to explain other cognitive forms particularly the ability to take roles . In the pre-conventional stage children do not know that there are other viewpoints on every subject They accept the viewpoint only of the authority figure . They recognize different opinions and viewpoints

in the second stage but gravitate towards those views that they themselves hold . People become concerned with the feelings of others during the third and fourth stages . During the last two stages their worldview expands to include people from other communities and groups . They can identify with the opinions and feelings of `other ' people because no law considered absolute and give . Law is a construct and a contract

Kohlberg 's theory has been used in education to help children become active participants in their own moral development . Children are encouraged to discuss and debate moral issues and reach to conclusions on their own . One of the major criticisms of this theory lies with post-conventional stage . Critics have felt that it would be dangerous for people to place their individual values over group values and would be disruptive to communities . Carol Gilligan criticises the theory on the basis that it is different path of moral development . Male development emphasizes authority while women emphasize affiliation

Erikson and Kohlberg have both provided important theories that expand on the theories of their predecessors . Erikson 's theory emphasizes social interactions while Kohlberg 's theory emphasises individual ideas and rights . Erikson 's ego identity finds fruition in a life of social interactions while Kohlberg 's ego identity...