Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Kohlberg’s
Stages of Moral Development
Level 1 –
Pre-Conventional
-
Age:
Birth to 9 y/o
-
Description: Authority figures are
obeyed
·
Stage 1 – Punishment and
Obedience Orientation
-
Description:
A deed is perceived as “wrong” if one is punished and the activity is right if
one is not punished.
·
Stage 2 – Instrumental Relativist
Orientation
-
Description: “Rights”
is defined as that which is acceptable to and approved by itself. When actions
satisfy one’s needs, they are “right”.
Level 2 –
Conventional
-
Age:
9 to 13 y/o
-
Description:
Cordial interpersonal relationships are maintained
·
Stage 3 – Interpersonal
Concordance
-
Description: Authority
is respected
·
Stage 4 – Law and Order
-
Description:
Individual feels “duty bound” to maintain social order and behavior is “right” when
it conforms to the rules.
Level 3 –
Post-Conventional
-
Age:
13 y/o and above
-
Description:
Individual understands the morality of having democratically established laws.
·
Stage 5 – Social Contract
Orientation
-
Description:
It is “wrong” to violate other’s rights.
·
Stage 6 – Universal Ethics
Orientation
-
Description:
The person understands the principles of human rights and personal conscience.
The person believes that trust is a basis for relationships.
