Kholberg's Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg

Formulated a theory that divides the process into 3 major levels and six sub stages 

Kohlbergs’s Moral Development

Based on a series of life experiences that stimulate and shape problem solving regarding value system

Kohlberg’s moral development levels and sub stages

1. Preconventional level

Stage 1: Punishment and obedience orientation

Stage 2: The instrumental realistic orientation/self-interest orientation 

2. Conventional level

Stage 3: Interpersonal accord and conformity (good boy, nice girl)

Stage 4: Law and order orientation/authority and social order orientation

3. Postconventional, Autonomous; or Principle level

Stage 5: Social contract, utilitarian orientation

Stage 6: Universal ethical principle orientation

Preconventional level

Cultural labels of goof/bad and right/wrong

Preconventional level sub stages

Stage 1: punishment and obedience orientation

Stage 2: the instrumental realistic orientation/self-interest orientation

Conventional level

Child follows rules because of a need to be a “good” person in his own eyes and eyes of others. Behavior that meets the approval of others is considered to be good. One earns approval by being “nice”

Conventional level sub stages

Stage 3: interpersonal accord and conformity (interpersonal acceptance of “good boy, nice girl” social concepts)

Stage 4: The “law and order” orientation/authority and social order orientation

Postconventional, Autonomous; or Principle level

Realization that individuals are separate entities from society now becomes salient. One’s own perspective should be viewed before the society’s

Postconventional, Autonomous; or Principle level sub stages

Stage 5: the social contract, utilitarian orientation

Stage 6: The universal ethical principle orientation