Stages of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987)

is known for his theory of stages of moral development.

Level 1 – Pre-conventional Morality

• Stage 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

• Stage 2. Individualism and Exchange

Level 2 – Conventional Morality

• Stage 3. Good Interpersonal Relationship

• Stage 4. Maintaining the social order

Level 3 – Post conventional morality

• Stage 5. Social Contact and individual rights

• Stage 6. Universal principles

Stage 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

A young child ( ages 1-5) chooses what to do what is right- according to what he/she wants to do and can do without getting into trouble. In this level, to be right, one ought to be obedient to the people in power and thus, avoid punishment.

Motto “ Might makes right”

Stage 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

Stage 2. Individualis and Exchange

Children (ages 5-10) are disposed to be egostistic or self-serving. They lack respect for others’ rights but they give others the assumption that they will get as much more in return. “ you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.”

motto is ‘what’s in it for me?’

Stage 2. Individualis and Exchange

Stage 3. Good Interpersonal Relationship

(Ages 8-16) have shifted from pleasing themselves to pleasing important others, ussually parents, teachers, and friends.

Motto: “I want to be nice.”

Stage 3. Good Interpersonal Relationship

Stage 4. Maintaining the social order

• ages 16 yrs old and older

• Have internalyzed society’s rules about how to behave in accordance to laws and customs.

• They realize to do one’s duty to maintain social order.

• Social control is exercised throught guilt associated with breaking a rule, believing that such punishment.

Motto: “ I’ll do my duty.”

Stage 4. Maintaining the social order

Social Contact and individual rights

• People understand the moral purpose that are suppose to be served by laws and social customs.

• Respect for the law and a sense of obligation to live by the rules as long as in fair manner

Motto: “ I’ll live by the rules or try to change them.”

Social Contact and individual rights

Stage 6. Universal principles

• They do not automatically conform to tradition or others beliefs, and to their own emotions, intuition, or impulsive notions about right and wrong.

• Highest level, as conscience is based on moral decisions