Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Bibliography
Basic principles of moral development theory
ii) Intention of behavior and
iii) Consequence
Three factors of moral development
Three stages of Moral Development
Level | Stages and age range | Characteristics |
A. Pre-conventional level | 1.Stage of Heterono mans Morality ( Infancy) | Punishment/ obedience orientation( Behaviour is determined by consequences. The individual will obey in order to avoid punishment.) |
2. Stage of Individualist Morality (Pre-school) | Instrumental purpose orientation( Behaviour is determined again by consequences. The individual focuses on receiving rewards of satisfying personal needs) | |
|
B. Conventional Level
Level | Stages | Characteristics |
B. Conventional level | 3.Stage of Interpersonal expectation Morality (School age) | Good boy/nice girl orientation( Behaviour is determined by social approval. The individual wants to maintain or win the affection and approval of others by being a “good person” |
4.Stage of Morality of social system and conscience (School age) | Law and order orientation( Social rules and laws determine behavior. The individual now takes into consideration a larger perspective, that of societal laws. Moral decision making becomes more than consideration of close ties to others. The individual believes that rules and law maintain social order that is worth preserving. |
C. Post-Conventional Level
Level | Stages | Characteristics |
C. Post-conventional level or principled level | 5.Stage of Morality of Social contract (Teens) | Social contract orientation(Individual rights determine behavior. The individual views laws and rules as flexible tools for improving human purpose. That is, given the right situation, there are exceptions to rules. When laws are non consistent with individual rights and the interests of the majority, it does not bring about good for people and alternatives should be considered. |
6. Stage of Morality of Universal Ethics (Adutlhood) | According to Kohlberg, this is the highest stage of functioning. However, he claimed that some individuals will never reach this level. At this stage, the appropriate action is determined by one’s self-chosen ethical principles of conscience. These principles are abstract and universal in application |
Level-1�Pre-conventional Morality
In this stage
Stage-1(Obedience & Punishment)
-At this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute.
-Obeying the rules is important because it is a means to avoid punishment
Stage-2( Individualism and Exchange)
��Level-2(Conventional Morality)�In this stage�.Teens learn to conform to others�. Rules/Laws are upheld�.Usually occurs around middle school���
Stage-3(Interpersonal Relationship)
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Stage 4(Maintaining Social Order)
-Focus on maintaining law and order and obeying laws
-Heinz’s motives
-Consequences of breaking the law
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Level-3( Post-Conventional Morality)-In this stage�.Young adults develop their own ideas on important issues�.Alternatives are considered�.Ideas are based on principles�.Usually occurs around the college years
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-Takes an idealized look at how people might coordinate their interests