Gilligan argued that Kohlbergâs justiceâbased stage theory of morality reflects only one type of morality and does not consider peopleâs tendency to use careâbased moral judgements. This study examines Chinese childrenâs tendency to use justiceâbased and careâbased justifications for moral reasoning. Childrenâs attitudes to conforming to the sharing rule were investigated by asking fiveâyearâolds (N = 155) about a hypothetical situation in which there were conflicts between conforming to rules and fulfilling personal goals/desires in the family context. Children were asked to suggest appropriate solutions for the conflicts and to justify their suggestions. Results indicated that the majority of the Chinese childrenâs moral reasoning was characterised by careâbased morality that focuses on the importance of proâsocial behaviours (being helpful, caring for the needs of others). The findings highlight the need for teachers to critically examine how justice and care are taught in the preschool context, and to what extent cultural values affect childrenâs moral orientations.View full textDownload full textKeywordsChinese children, sharing, morality of care, morality of justiceRelated var addthis_config = { ui_cobrand: "Taylor & Francis Online", services_compact: "citeulike,netvibes,twitter,technorati,delicious,linkedin,facebook,stumbleupon,digg,google,more", pubid: "ra-4dff56cd6bb1830b" }; Add to shortlist Link Permalink http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2010.520712
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