There is an emphasis in American culture on developing a strongsense of autonomy and independence as we grow older. AlthoughErikson was keenly aware that there is a constant tension betweenindependence and belonging, a theme running throughout hisdevelopmental theory is that in order to advance to higher stagesof development we must achieve a stronger sense of independence,increasingly liberating ourselves from our dependence upon others.Is our focus in America on autonomy and independence an unmitigatedgood or are there other possibilities? Looking at moral reasoningin America, Carol Gilligan contends that the emphasis on autonomyand independence is based on a masculine ideal, whereas a focus onsocial relationships, empathy, and interconnectedness lies at theheart of the feminist perspective. In your written assignmentplease describe Gilligan’s case for gender bias in Kohlberg'stheory of moral reasoning. How does she justify her argument? Howdoes her theory of moral reasoning relate to Erikson’s ideas aboutthe relationship between autonomy and intimacy? Finally, in yourown upbringing, were interdependence/empathy orindependence/autonomy emphasized more? At what ages (be specificwith at least one example)? Did the focus change as you grew older?Was it different in your family depending on your gender? Whatperspective would you try to emphasize with your own (perhapshypothetical) children? Would it be different for differentgenders? This last set of questions is asking for your opinionabout these issues in moral reasoning and there is not a correctanswer, but you should engage the course readings in yourresponses.