Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development Explained

Moral Development

How individuals learn right from wrong and develop ethics and justice.

Kohlberg's Three Levels of Moral Development

Three levels of moral reasoning, each with two stages.

Preconventional Morality

Moral reasoning based on self-interest, rewards, and punishments.

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation

Avoiding punishment is the priority.

Example of Stage 1

A child doesn't steal a cookie to avoid timeout.

Stage 2: Self-Interest (Instrumental Relativist Orientation)

Focus on personal gain and reciprocity.

Example of Stage 2

"I'll share my toys if you share yours."

Conventional Morality

Morality based on societal rules, approval, and law/order.

Stage 3: Interpersonal Accord and Conformity

Seeking approval from others, behaving to be seen as 'good.'

Example of Stage 3

Helping an elderly person to be viewed as kind.

Stage 4: Authority and Social Order Maintaining Orientation

Following rules and laws to maintain order.

Example of Stage 4

Obeying traffic laws even when no one is watching.

Postconventional Morality

Moral reasoning based on universal principles, beyond laws.

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

Recognizing laws exist for the common good but can change for justice.

Example of Stage 5

Supporting civil rights movements against unfair laws.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

Acting on self-chosen moral principles, even against laws/society.

Example of Stage 6

MLK, Gandhi challenging unjust laws for human rights.

Gender Bias - Carol Gilligan's Critique

Kohlberg's study was male-focused; Gilligan argued women emphasize relationships and care.

Example of Gender Bias

Women may weigh emotional impact vs. abstract fairness.

Cultural Bias

Based on Western individualist values; collectivist cultures emphasize community.

Example of Cultural Bias

Asian cultures prioritize group harmony over personal justice.

Real-Life Application

People don't always act at their highest moral level—emotion, habit, and peer pressure influence behavior.

Example of Real-Life Application

Knowing lying is wrong (Stage 5) but doing it to avoid embarrassment (Stage 3).

Final Thoughts

Kohlberg's theory helps explain moral reasoning development.