IMPORTANT

PLEASE NOTE:

THE DESCRIPTIONS USED REGARDING CELEBRITIES AND SITUATIONS THEY FOUND THEMSELVES IN ARE NOT FACT AND WERE EITHER EMBELLISHED OR MADE UP TO FIT WITH THE DEMANDS OF THIS PROJECT. THIS BLOG IS NOT FACTUAL IN THE CASE OF CELEBRITES.

Note: descriptions used for the four theories were directly influenced and paraphrased from information detailed in Evans et al., 1998 and Gardner, 1993. (See "Reference" post).

WHY POP THEORY?!

It can be difficult trying to engage students actively in discussions about seemingly abstract concepts like theory. There is a negative mystique that exists around studying and learning about theory. Even as a student in the College Student Services Administration program, I too suffer from the challenges that exist around trying to take these grand theories and imagine how they apply to students. In an attempt to make theory more entertaining for myself and fellow cohort members, I have created the opportunity to view theory from the Hollywood perspective. Utilizing a blog-like format (mirroring Perez Hilton) I have used Hollywood celebrities as subjects to discuss four student development theories: Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development, Belenkey, Clinchy, Goldberg, and Tarule’s Women’s Ways of Knowing, Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences, and Schlossberg’s Transition Theory.

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg began his research at the University of Chicago studying the moral reasoning of young boys, utilizing the work of Piaget who explored moral development of children (Evans et al., 1998). After much research and revision, Kohlberg came up with his theory of cognitive-development for moral decision-making. Kohlberg’s work centers directly on how people make moral judgments. At the heart of moral reasoning, Kohlberg stressed that justice was the core principle for making such judgments. “Justice, the primary regard for the value and equality of all human beings, and for reciprocity in human relations, is a basic and human standard” (Kohlberg, 1972, as cited in Evans et al., 1998, p. 173).
Kohlberg’s theory has six stages grouped in three levels, each defined by its sociomoral perspective which is, “the point of view the individual takes in defining both social facts and sociomoral values” (Kohlberg, 1976, as cited in Evans et al., 1998, p. 173). Each stage represents a different relationship between the individual making the decision and engaging in moral development and society’s rules and expectations. Kohlberg also asserted that only when disequilibrium occurs or when an individual is exposed to higher-stage thinking is when growth in moral development can occur.

Stage I: Heteronomous Morality

Fake, Fake, Fake! Ashlee Simpson was CAUGHT IN THE ACT of lip syncing on Saturday Night Live, a show that, from its title, delivers LIVE performances for its live and tv audience. Behind this mess up was the one and only JOE SIMPSON—father, controller, and authority-figure extraordinaire. Sources confirm that Joe’s such an authority figure in the life of Ashlee that she was too afraid to go against his wishes and commands. Ashlee didn’t want to get punished, so she simply followed his rules. Ashlee is going to need to stand up for herself one of these days, because making these decisions based on avoiding daddy’s big, bad authority is causing Ashlee to make decisions that have no consideration for others. HELLO….what about the people who paid to see her perform live or stayed up to watch her on TV?! Thanks a lot, Ashlee—we clearly see you would rather avoid daddy’s wrath of punishment than make a decision on your own!

Stage II: Individualistic, Instrumental Morality

Drunky, McDrunkerton hires a chauffeur rather than checks into rehab! Klohe Kardashian was recently cited and jailed for drinking and driving. Many peers, friends, and legal counsel advised her that she should check into rehab to get this drinking problem handled. Instead, KLOHE HIRED A DRIVER! Klohe’s license has been suspended, so instead of taking the time to go get well, she is following the rules in a sneaky way! Essentially making a deal with the court, Klohe continues to follow the rules by not driving but is acting in a way that is best for her, rather than what might be best for the greater good. Klohe had the opportunity to go get help and set an example for those who look to her as a role model, but instead she did was it best for her and letting others know they can make their own decisions on what is best for them. To her defense, hiring a driver does satisfy the court conditions, but her family and friends have needs and interest that really conflict with Klohe’s decision. This sneaky little devil; she certainly assured the satisfaction of her needs and is minimizing the risk of possible negative consequences from the court. Klohe said, “Rehab might be for Lindsey Lohan and you all might think that I need it, but what is best for me is not to be behind the wheel, so that’s what I’m doing. I made a deal with the court, and that’s that! Back off!”

Stage III: Interpersonally Normative Morality

Poor Katie Holmes! She has such convictions about fitting into the perfect mother and wife role that she has essentially given up everything she used to be! That fun-loving, quirky lady we once knew is now the one who sits quietly as her hubby Tom Cruise has told her to be. Being surrounded by other Hollywood mom’s, Katie is making sure she fits into the social structure and system of what it means to be this Hollywood mama. She has had to spend all of her time forming to Tom’s expectations of a wife. She just needs to be kind, quiet and considerate before anything else! So no more films? What about Broadway? I guess Katie is too busy maintaining her “perfect mom” image and gaining Tom and Hollywood’s approval than pursuing or caring for her own interests. Oh, Katie, we miss the real you!

Stage IV: Social System Morality

No drinking for Miley, according to…MILEY! In a recent interview, Miley Cyrus stated that while most of young Hollywood is caught out at the clubs or drinking underage, this Disney diva won’t be doing either. She said that her decision isn’t a personal one, but it is a decision that was already made for her. The law states that anyone under 21 can’t drink, and well, that’s Miley! “I don’t question the law, I just know that right now I am under 21 and that means I can’t drink. So, whatever, I won’t! It’s better that way. We all have to follow the law—everyone—so that’s what I’m doing!”Miley is doing what is right---upholding the law established by society and carrying out its duties. Maybe Miley should let those other under-21ers know they have the obligation to follow the law too!