Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg developed a significant theory about morality, his foundation was Jean Piaget's previous work but is centered on children's moral and how it comes to be.

His theory is also showcased by stages but within levels :

Level 1 I Preconventional Morality

• Stage 1 (Punishment and Obedience Orientation) - Children obey because it's what adults tell them. People base their moral decisions on fear of punishment, they do not do certain things in beliefs of avoiding the fearful consequences; Children will see rules as fixed and absolute.

• Stage 2 (Individualism, Instrumental purpose, and exchange) - Individuals pursue their own interests but let others do the same. What is right involves equal exchange. The key question in this stage is "What's in it for me?"

Level 2 I Conventional Morality

• Stage 3 (Mutual Interpersonal expectations) - Conformity to social standards and rules become important to them and emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships. They look to win approval from other figures like parents, friends, etc. and maintain social order.

• Stage 4 (Social Systems Morality) - Following the previous stage, their behavior is determined by approval or validation from others by being a "good person".

Level 3 I (Postconventional Morality)

• Stage 5 (Social Contract) - A coming realization that laws are social contracts that can be challenged or changed to serve people for the greater good. At this stage, people prioritize high moral, justice, and equality.

• Stage 6 (Universal Ethical Principles) - This according to Kohlberg is the highest acting stage. However, he also claims some individuals will never climb this stage for this stage principles are abstract and universal and requires understanding each perspective of every single person or group that could potentially be affected.