Kohlberg Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg Stages of Moral Development

-  LAWRENCE KOLBERG developed the theory of moral development of Jean Piaget.

STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT

Level 1 - Pre-conventional morality

FOCUS: SELF

AGES: 3-7 years old

• Stage 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation. The child/individual is good in order to avoid being punished. If a person is punished, they must have done wrong.

• Stage 2. Individualism and Exchange. At this stage children recognize that there is not just one right view that is handed down by the authorities. Different individuals have different viewpoints.

Level 2 - Conventional morality

FOCUS: SIGNIFICANT OF OTHERS

AGES: Most adolescents and adults

• Stage 3. Good Interpersonal Relationships. The child/individual is good in order to be seen as being a good person by others. Therefore, answers relate to the approval of others.

• Stage 4. Maintaining the Social Order. The child/individual becomes aware of the wider rules of society so judgments concern obeying the rules in order to uphold the law and to avoid guilt.

Level 3 - Post-conventional morality

Individual judgment is based on self-chosen principles, and moral reasoning is based on individual rights and justice.

• Stage 5. Social Contract and Individual Rights. The child/individual becomes aware that while rules/laws might exist for the good of the greatest number, there are times when they will work against the interest of particular individuals. 

The issues are not always clear cut. For example, in Heinz’s dilemma the protection of life is more important than breaking the law against stealing.

• Stage 6. Universal Principles. People at this stage have developed their own set of moral guidelines which may or may not fit the law. The principles apply to everyone.

REFLECTION: KOHLBERG THEORY is all about the development of moral reasoning of an individual and how it is developed.