Child & Adolescent Learners and Learning Principles LET REVIEWER
Lesson 21: Lawrence Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory
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| Lawrence Kohlberg |
Kohlberg's moral development theory focuses on how people learn to decide what is right and wrong as they grow. He wanted to understand how moral thinking changes as a person matures. His work was influenced by Jean Piaget, who studied how children develop thinking skills, and John Dewey, who focused on how people learn through experience. Kohlberg believed that moral reasoning develops in stages, meaning that as people get older, their understanding of right and wrong becomes more advanced and thoughtful.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
Level I : Pre-conventional Morality
At this level, a person’s sense of right and wrong is based mainly on their own needs and the possible results of their actions. People in this stage do not yet fully understand the rules or moral standards of society. Instead, they make decisions to avoid punishment or to gain rewards. This stage is common in children but can also appear in some adults who think mainly about personal gain rather than moral principles.
Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation
- In this stage, people see actions as right or wrong based on the direct consequences. The main idea is to avoid punishment. A person obeys rules because they fear the negative outcome of breaking them, not because they believe the rules are fair or just.
- Ex. A child does not take a cookie before dinner because they are afraid of being scolded, not because they understand that waiting for dinner is polite or healthy.
- At this stage, a person acts based on self-interest and the idea of exchange. The thinking is “I’ll do something good if I get something in return.” Moral decisions are made based on what benefits the individual, and fairness is often seen as an equal trade rather than genuine concern for others.
- Ex. A student helps a classmate with homework, but only because they expect help later in return. The act is based on benefit, not kindness.
Level II: Conventional Morality
At this level, people start to understand and follow the rules, expectations, and values of their society. They make moral decisions not just for personal gain but to be accepted and seen as good members of their community. Their sense of right and wrong depends on how others view their actions and on the importance of laws and social order. This stage is common during the teenage years and adulthood, when people begin to care more about social relationships and responsibilities.
- In this stage, people make decisions based on what will please or gain approval from others. They value being seen as a good person and often act in ways that earn praise or acceptance. The focus is on relationships, kindness, and meeting the expectations of family, friends, or peers.
- Ex. A teenager helps their classmates with a project because they want to be liked and appreciated, not necessarily because they care deeply about teamwork.
- At this stage, people believe that following laws and rules is necessary to maintain peace and order in society. They respect authority and see it as their duty to do what is right according to established rules, even if it doesn’t always benefit them personally. Morality here is about keeping the system stable and functioning.
- Ex. An employee follows company rules strictly and reports any wrongdoing because they believe it is their responsibility to uphold fairness and order in the workplace.
Level III: Post-Conventional Morality
At this level, a person’s sense of morality is guided by their own principles and values rather than by rules set by others. They understand the deeper reasons behind laws and social standards and begin to think about fairness, justice, and human rights in a broader sense. People in this stage make moral decisions based on their personal code of ethics, even if it means going against laws or social expectations. This level shows mature moral thinking, where conscience and moral reasoning are more important than simply following rules.
- Here, people see laws and rules as important, but they also understand that these are agreements made by society to help everyone live together peacefully. They believe laws should serve the common good and can be changed if they become unfair or outdated. The focus is on protecting individual rights and promoting the welfare of all.
- Ex. A citizen supports changing a law that discriminates against a group of people because they believe fairness and equality matter more than just following tradition.
- At this stage, a person’s decisions are based on strong inner moral principles like justice, equality, and respect for human dignity. These principles are self-chosen and apply to everyone, not just specific groups. The individual follows their conscience, even if it goes against the law or what society expects.
- Ex. A person hides refugees during a time of war, even though it is illegal, because they believe protecting innocent lives is a higher moral duty than obeying unjust laws.
Moral Development Theory Quiz: click here
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