Moral development
Is the process by which people develop the distinction between
right and wrong (morality) and engage in reasoning between the
two (moral reasoning).
Kohlberg's theory is broken down into three primary levels. At
each level of moral development, there are two stages. Similar to
how Piaget believed that not all people reach the highest levels
of cognitive development, Kohlberg believed not everyone
progresses to the highest stages of moral development.
Levels of Moral Age Stages Included in
Development This Level
Preconventional 0 to 9y Stage 1: Obedience and
Morality punishment
Stage 2: Individualism and
exchange
Conventional Early Stage 3: Developing good
Morality adolescence tointerpersonal relationships
adulthood Stage 4: Maintaining
social order
Postconventional Some adults; Stage 5: Social contract
Morality rare and individual rights
stage 6: Universal
principles.
Level 1. Preconventional Morality
Is the earliest period 0of moral development. It lasts until around
the age of 9. At this age, children's decisions are primarily
shaped by the expectations of adults and the consequences of
breaking the rules. There are two stages within this level:
Stage 1 (Obedience and Punishment): The earliest stages
of moral development, obedience and punishment are
especially common in young children, but adults are also
capable of expressing this type of reasoning. According to
Kohlberg, people at this stage see rules as fixed and
absolute.Obeying the rules is important because it is a way
to avoid punishment.
Stage 2 (Individualism and Exchange): At the
individualism and exchange stage of moral development,
children account for individual points of view and judge
actions based on how they serve individual needs.
Level 2. Conventional Morality
The next period of moral development is marked by the
acceptance of social rules regarding what is good and moral.
During this time, adolescents and adults internalize the moral
standards they have learned from their role models and from
society.This period also focuses on the acceptance of authority
and conforming to the norms of the group. There are two stages
at this level of morality:
Stage 3 (Developing Good Interpersonal Relationships):
Often referred to as the "good boy-good girl" orientation,
this stage of the interpersonal relationship of moral
development is focused on living up to social expectations
and roles. There is an emphasis on conformity, being
"nice," and consideration of how choices influence
relationships.
Stage 4 (Maintaining Social Order): This stage is focused
on ensuring that social order is maintained. At this stage of
moral development, people begin to consider society as a
whole when making judgments. The focus is on
maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing
one’s duty, and respecting authority.
Level 3. Postconventional Morality
At this level of moral development, people develop an
understanding of abstract principles of morality. The two stages
at this level are:
Stage 5 (Social Contract and Individual Rights): The
ideas of a social contract and individual rights cause people
in the next stage to begin to account for the differing
values, opinions, and beliefs of other people. Rules of law
are important for maintaining a society, but members of the
society should agree upon these standards.
Stage 6 (Universal Principles): Kohlberg’s final level of
moral reasoning is based on universal ethical principles and
abstract reasoning. At this stage, people follow
these internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict
with laws and rules.
