​Lawrence Kohlberg argued that:​

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Moral development occurs progressively in stages.
Lawrence Kohlberg expanded on Jean Piaget's theory of moral development by proposing that moral reasoning develops through three levels, each divided into two distinct stages, making it a total of six stages. He argued that this development is progressive and hierarchical—children move through these stages in a fixed order as their cognitive abilities mature.

Information Booster

The levels are:

1. Pre-conventional Level
• Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation
• Stage 2: Individualism and exchange
2. Conventional Level
• Stage 3: Good interpersonal relationships
• Stage 4: Maintaining social order
3. Post-conventional Level
• Stage 5: Social contract and individual rights
• Stage 6: Universal principles

Kohlberg emphasized that moral reasoning (the process through which people make decisions about what is right and wrong) becomes more sophisticated with age and experiences. He believed that while the sequence is universal, not everyone reaches the highest stage of moral reasoning.

Additional Knowledge

• (a) Continuous manner: Incorrect. Kohlberg viewed development as discrete and sequential, not a smooth continuum.
• (b) Cultural differences: While culture influences the content of moral reasoning, Kohlberg maintained that the structure (i.e., stages) is universal.
• (d) Gender differences: Kohlberg did not emphasize gender differences. However, Carol Gilligan, his student, criticized him for a male-centric approach and proposed that females often focus more on care and relationships.