Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development: Understanding How Morality Evolves

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg's stages of moral development describe a process in which children develop moral reasoning abilities. This theory is an expansion of an earlier theory proposed by Jean Piaget, focusing on how individuals move through different stages as their understanding of morality deepens.

Kohlberg proposed six stages of moral development, divided into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each level contains two stages, progressing from simple obedience to higher-order ethical reasoning.

Pre-Conventional Level

The pre-conventional level is the earliest stage of moral development, typically lasting until around age nine. Moral judgments at this level are based on obedience to authority and self-interest. It includes the following stages:

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment

At this stage, moral reasoning is focused on avoiding punishment. Children follow rules because they fear consequences, and authority figures hold absolute power.

Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange

Children start recognizing that different people have different viewpoints. Moral reasoning is now based on self-interest and the idea of reciprocal relationships.

Conventional Level

The conventional level typically develops during adolescence and into adulthood. Moral decisions are based on societal norms and fulfilling roles within social groups.

Stage 3: Good Interpersonal Relationships

Individuals at this stage strive to maintain positive relationships and gain approval from others. Conformity to social norms and roles is crucial.

Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order

Moral reasoning is now based on upholding laws and maintaining social order. Individuals recognize the importance of laws and conventions for society's welfare.

Post-Conventional Level

The post-conventional level represents the highest stage of moral reasoning, observed mainly in late adolescence and adulthood. At this stage, individuals develop their own ethical principles that transcend societal rules.

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights

People at this stage recognize that societal rules are social agreements. They believe laws should promote the greater good and that unjust laws can be changed.

Stage 6: Universal Principles of Ethics

Moral reasoning at this stage is guided by universal ethical principles such as justice, equality, and human rights. Individuals are willing to challenge unjust laws and accept the consequences of their actions.

The Heinz Dilemma

A famous tool used by Kohlberg to study moral reasoning is the Heinz dilemma. This moral problem involves a man named Heinz who must decide whether to steal an expensive drug to save his dying wife.

Kohlberg used this dilemma to assess how individuals reason through moral decisions at each stage of development. It wasn't Heinz's choice that interested Kohlberg, but the reasoning behind it.

Criticisms of Kohlberg's Theory

While Kohlberg's theory has been influential, it has faced criticism for several reasons. Critics argue that it reflects a Western, individualistic perspective, potentially excluding non-Western or collectivist moral reasoning. Some suggest it also shows gender bias, focusing more on justice-based reasoning, which may not fully capture care-based moral decisions often emphasized by women.

Key Points to Remember

• Kohlberg proposed six stages of moral development divided into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
• The stages progress from basic obedience to higher-order ethical reasoning based on universal principles of justice.
• Critics have argued that Kohlberg's theory is culturally biased, may reflect gender biases, and overlooks emotional and situational factors in moral decision-making.