Kohlberg's Moral Stages of Development

Pre-conventional Level

Self-Focus

Stage 1:

Obedience Orientation

Obedience Orientation Example:

Not Steal to avoid punishment

Stage 2

Instrumental Orientation

Instrumental Orientation Example:

Trade cookies so get the best

Conventional level

Other focus

Stage 3

Interpersonal Norms

Interpersonal Norms Example

Not steal so you look good before others

Stage 4

Social System Morality

Social System Morality Example

Not steal to be considered a good citizen

Preconventional Level

Moral Principle- focus

Stage 5

Social Contract

Social Contract example

Not take cookies home, because you sing a contract not to steal from the company

Stage 6

Abstract Prinicples

Abstract principles example

God says “Thou shall not steal”