Kohlberg's Moral development theory

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Theory of how we develop our moral thinking. Potentially relevant to understanding criminals’ thinking

Question 2

How does it cause criminality?

Answer 2

Criminals are stuck at a less mature level than everyone else.
They think whether their action will => to reward or punishment not the impact towards other people. Lack of ability to engage in moral reasoning causes them to offend

Question 3

Strengths

Answer 3

Studies show delinquents are more likely to have immature moral development as the theory predicts.
Thornton and Reid found theory to be truer for crimes such as theft and robbery

Question 4

Weaknesses

Answer 4

Focuses on moral thinking rather than moral behaviour. Someone may be perfectly capable of thinking morally while acting immorally.