CT moral development theory (kohlberg)

Question 1

What does this theory look at?

Answer 1

It looks at how we develop our moral thinking. Therefore it is relevant to understanding how criminals think.

Question 2

What did Kohlberg say about childhood?

Answer 2

He argues that our idea of right and wrong develop through a series of levels and stages from childhood to adulthood. Young children define right and wrong in simple terms, based on what brings them punishments or rewards. By adulthood our ideas of right and wrong involve an understanding of moral principles and values.
Therefore suggesting that criminals moral development is stuck at a less mature age.

Question 3

Where is a criminals moral development?

Answer 3

This suggest that a criminals moral development is st ik at a less mature level than everybody else. They are likely to think solely in terms of whether their actions lead to a reward or punishment, rather than how it affects others. This makes them more likely to commit crime.

Question 4

Strength: what did Thornton and Reid find?

Answer 4

They found the theory to be accurate for crimes such as theft and robbery, rather than crimes of violence which are often impulsive

Question 5

Weakness: why is this theory not accurate? Why does it focus on just moral thinking?

Answer 5

Kohlberg focuses on moral thinking, rather than moral behaviour. Someone may be perfectly capable of thinking morally whilst acting immorally