Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development Level 1 Pre-conventional – This level is generally found when people are first born through the elementary school level. Generally on this level, morality is seen as something given to each person by society. Right and wrong are determined by authority. Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Morality is handed down from powerful authority figures. People behave according to socially acceptable rules because they are told so and don’t want to be punished. Question: Will I be punished for my choice? Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange Right behavior means acting in your own best interests. Morality is relative, up to each person (Moral relativism) People exchange favors but there is no real sense of deeper values, family or community. Question: Is this choice good for me? Will it benefit me in some way? Level 2 Conventional Morality – This level generally develops in the early-mid teen years. Kohlberg theorized that most people stay at this level throughout their lives and don’t progress past stage 4. There is a big emphasis on what is good for the group, society at large. Stage 3: Good girl/boy or Interpersonal Stage (Reputation) This stage is generally about seeking the approval and acceptance of others People should behave in ways that are acceptable to family and community. There is a focus on other individuals. Good behavior means having good motives like doing something out of love, empathy, trust or concern for others. Question: What will others think of me from my decision? Stage 4: Law and Order or Social Order Stage This stage is primarily concerned with society as a whole. Emphasizes respecting authority, obeying laws and performing responsibilities, which help society to run smoothly. It’s not just about having good motives but looking at precedents that would be set for allowing certain actions. Question: What is the law? What example will my decision set? Level 3: Post-conventional
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development Level 1 – Pre-conventional This level is generally found when people are first born through the elementary school level. Generally on this level, morality is seen as something given to each person by society. Right and wrong are determined by authority. Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Morality is handed down from powerful authority figures. People behave according to socially acceptable rules because they are told so and don’t want to be punished. Question: Will I be punished for my choice? Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange Right behavior means acting in your own best interests. Morality is relative, up to each person (Moral relativism) People exchange favors but there is no real sense of deeper values, family or community. Question: Is this choice good for me? Will it benefit me in some way? Level 2 – Conventional Morality This level generally develops in the early-mid teen years. Kohlberg theorized that most people stay at this level throughout their lives and don’t progress past stage 4. There is a big emphasis on what is good for the group, society at large. Stage 3: Good girl/boy or Interpersonal Stage (Reputation) This stage is generally about seeking the approval and acceptance of others People should behave in ways that are acceptable to family and community. There is a focus on other individuals. Good behavior means having good motives like doing something out of love, empathy, trust or concern for others. Question: What will others think of me from my decision? Stage 4: Law and Order or Social Order Stage This stage is primarily concerned with society as a whole. Emphasizes respecting authority, obeying laws and performing responsibilities, which help society to run smoothly. It’s not just about having good motives but looking at precedents that would be set for allowing certain actions. Question: What is the law? What example will my decision set? Level 3: Post-conventional
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