The Advantages and Disadvantages of Developmental Assets Theory and Moral Upbringing Theory
1. Introduction
In this essay, I will analyze the developmental assets theory and moral upbringing theory in order to study life and daily activities. I will try to find advantages and disadvantages or risks of each theory. In order to do so, I will use different methods such as internet resources, books, articles, and my own daily experience.
2. Theoretical framework
2.1 Developmental assets theory
The developmental assets theory was created by Peter L. Benson and his colleagues in 1990 (Benson, Leffert, & Scales, 1999). This theory is based on the idea that every individual has certain strengths which help him or her to develop in a positive way. Benson et al. (1999) proposed that there are eight developmental assets which are essential for every individual: support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity.
The first four assets – support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time – are called external assets because they come from outside of the individual (Benson et al., 1999). Support refers to the family relationships, friendships, and other relationships which provide care and security for the individual. Empowerment means that the individual feels confident, has a sense of control over his or her life, and is able to make decisions. Boundaries and expectations are clear rules which help the individual to know what is right and what is wrong. Constructive use of time means that the individual spends time doing things which are helpful and enjoyable.
The last four assets – commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity – are called internal assets because they come from within the individual (Benson et al., 1999). Commitment to learning means that the individual is interested in learning new things and is willing to work hard to achieve his or her goals. Positive values refer to the beliefs which guide the individual’s actions and choices. Social competencies are the skills which help the individual to interact successfully with other people. Positive identity is a strong sense of self- esteem and self-acceptance (Benson et al., 1999).
2. 2 Moral upbringing theory
The moral upbringing theory was created by Lawrence Kohlberg in 1958 (Kohlberg, 1984). This theory is based on the idea that morality develops in stages throughout an individual’s lifetime. Kohlberg proposed six stages of moral development: pre-conventional morality, conventional morality, post-conventional morality.
In the pre-conventional stage, morality is based on self-interest. The first two sub-stages of this stage are called the egoistic orientation stage and the instrumental purpose stage (Kohlberg, 1984). In the egoistic orientation stage, an individual obeys rules in order to avoid punishment. In the instrumental purpose stage, an individual obeys rules in order to receive rewards or avoid punishment.
In the conventional stage, morality is based on social norms. The first two sub-stages of this stage are called good boy/girl orientation stage and law-and-order orientation stage (Kohlberg, 1984). In the good boy/girl orientation stage, an individual obeys rules in order to please other people or avoid their disapproval. In the law-and-order orientation stage, an individual obeys rules in order to maintain social order.
In the post-conventional stage, morality is based on personal principles. The first two sub-stages of this stage are called social contract orientation stage and universal ethical principle orientation stage (Kohlberg, 1984). In the social contract orientation stage, an individual obeys rules in order to maintain social order. In the universal ethical principle orientation stage, an individual obeys rules because he or she believes that they are morally right.
3. Methodology
In this essay, I will use different methods in order to find advantages and disadvantages or risks of each theory. I will use internet resources, books, articles, and my own daily experience.
4. Findings and discussion
4.1 Findings
The advantages of the developmental assets theory are that it can help individuals to develop in a positive way and it can help families and communities to support young people. The disadvantages or risks of this theory are that it does not take into account the individual’s culture and it does not address the issue of equity.
The advantages of the moral upbringing theory are that it can help individuals to develop a sense of morality and it can help families and communities to teach young people about right and wrong. The disadvantages or risks of this theory are that it does not take into account the individual’s culture and it can lead to judgmental attitudes towards others.
4. 2 Discussion
The developmental assets theory has some advantages and disadvantages or risks. One advantage of this theory is that it can help individuals to develop in a positive way. This is because the theory proposes that there are eight assets which are essential for every individual: support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity. If an individual has these assets, he or she will be more likely to develop in a positive way. Another advantage of this theory is that it can help families and communities to support young people. This is because the theory proposes that families and communities should provide young people with care and security, b confident,and clear rules. If young people have these things, they will be more likely to develop in a positive way.
One disadvantage or risk of the developmental assets theory is that it does not take into account the individual’s culture. This is because the theory was created by Peter L. Benson and his colleagues in 1990. The authors of this theory were from North America and Europe. They did not take into account the fact that people from other cultures have different values and beliefs. As a result, the developmental assets theory may not be applicable to all cultures. Another disadvantage or risk of this theory is that it does not address the issue of equity. This is because the theory focuses on individual development. It does not address the issue of unequal power relationships between individuals. This can lead to a situation where some individuals have more opportunities than others to develop in a positive way.
The moral upbringing theory also has some advantages and disadvantages or risks. One advantage of this theory is that it can help individuals to develop a sense of morality. This is because the theory proposes that morality develops in stages throughout an individual’s lifetime. If an individual goes through all six stages of moral development, he or she will develop a sense of morality. Another advantage of this theory is that it can help families and communities teach young people about right and wrong. This is because the theory proposes that families and communities should teach young people about the six stages of moral development. If young people learn about these stages, they will be more likely to develop a sense of morality.
One disadvantage or risk of the moral upbringing theory is that it does not take into account the individual’s culture. This is because the theory was created by Lawrence Kohlberg in 1958. Kohlberg was from North America. He did not take into account the fact that people from other cultures have different values and beliefs. As a result, the moral upbringing theory may not be applicable to all cultures. Another disadvantage or risk of this theory is that it can lead to judgmental attitudes towards others. This is because the theory proposes that there are six stages of moral development. Some people may judge others who are at a lower stage of moral development. This can lead to discrimination and exclusion.5. Conclusion
In conclusion, the developmental assets theory and the moral upbringing theory have both advantages and disadvantages or risks. The decision of which theory to use should be based on the individual’s culture and the issue of equity.