According to Carol Gilligan (1982), Kohlberg's theory describes moral development from the "morality of justice," which tends to predominate in males, but neglects to consider the "morality of care," which tends to predominate in females. From the justice perspective, moral decisions are based on considerations of fairness and equal treatment for all. From the care perspective, moral decisions are based on considerations of meeting individuals' personal needs and preserving relationships. Do research findings on gender differences support Gilligan's views?
Good answers would explore possibilities for how the established behavioural differences between the genders discussed in the application might lead males to considerations of justice and fairness and females to considerations of individual need and preservation of relationships. A well-rounded answer would also consider how differential socialization practices could contribute to the gender differences that Gilligan posits.