Moral Development Theory: How Kohlberg’s 6 Stages Define Morality

Introduction to Moral Development theory by Kohlberg

Kohlberg’s moral development theory suggests that persons proceed through distinct stages to arrive at their understanding of right and wrong. The theory, based on the works of Piaget, focuses on the reasoning powering the moral choices rather than the act itself. 

3 LEVELS of Moral Development Theory

Kohlberg identified three levels of moral development, each with two sub-stages:   

Level 1: Preconventional Morality (Childhood)

Morality is externally controlled at this level. People conform to the rules of authority figures mainly in order to avoid punishment or to gain some reward.

Stage 1: Punishment-Obedience Orientation

• Avoiding punishment and following authority figures.
• The rules are seen as immutable and absolute. 
• “If I take it [steal it], I shall be sent to jail.”       

Stage 2: Instrumental Relativist Orientation

• In this second stage, it is concerned with gain for individuals and the satisfying of wants.      
• “Don’t worry: I will help you if you help me.”
• Effects are judged in accordance with the consequences. 

Level 2: Conventional Morality (Adolescence and Adulthood)

By this level, one is oriented toward conformity to social rules. It focuses its interests from self to relationships with one another and social systems.

Stage 3: Good Boy-Nice Girl Orientation

• Approval and a good relationship with socio-group” gain focus.
• Behavior is elicited by the expectancy and norms of society.
• “You should help me because it is the right thing to do, and people will like me.”

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation:

• Focuses upon maintaining social order and the obedience toward laws and authority.
• It is believed rules are created in order for society to work.
• “Laws exist for a reason, and they must be obeyed.” 

 Level 3: Postconventional Morality (Adulthood-if achieved)

At this level, individuals recognize rules as social agreements that can be changed if necessary. The moral reasoning depends upon individual rights and justice.   

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

• On the rights of the individual and the importance of social contracts.   
• Laws remain to be called social agreements that can be changed if they don’t serve the best interests of society.   
• “Stealing is bad though preserving life would be seen as more important in this case.”

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation

• On universal ethical principles, they weigh matters relating to justice, equality, human rights, etc.
• These actions are dictated by internalized moral principles, regardless of the occasional rules or expectations imposed by society. 
• “The life of every human being is of equal value; hence it is wrong to take it even in the attempt to save others.” 

Kohlberg moral development theory

Highlights of Moral Development Theory by Kohlberg 

• Ordered sequence to the last: Kohlberg contended that people go through these stages in a fixed order.
• Cognitive development: Moral development is related to cognitive development.
• Universal stages: This theory was held by Kohlberg to be universal for all cultures.
• Spoken reason: The theory for moral development lays stress on the reasoning behind a moral choice rather than the acts themselves. 

Criticisms of Moral Development Theory

• Gender Bias: Critics insist that Kohlberg’s theory takes into account the male style of moral reasoning focused on justice and individual rights. 
• Cultural Bias: The theory has been criticized for not fully addressing cultural considerations of moral reasoning. 
• Emphasis on Justice: Critics claim that it overemphasizes justice and ignores other public moral values, namely care and compassion.

Despite these criticisms, Kohlberg’s theory has greatly influenced our understanding of moral development. It provided a model for analyzing how individuals exercise moral judgments and how moral reasoning grows over time. 

Further Research:

• Carol Gilligan’s Ethics of Care is described as Gilligan’s response to Kohlberg’s work, whereby women’s moral reasoning is based not on justice and individual rights but rather on care and relationships.
• Cross-Cultural Studies: Research continues into how cross-cultural studies examine the universality of Kohlberg’s stages of moral development and how culture affects that development. 

Through knowledge of Kohlberg’s theory and its shortcomings, one deepens insight into the complex business of moral development and its implications for individual behavior and societal values. 

Read more about Self, Emotional and Moral Development

Reference

• Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2019). Lifespan Development: A Psychological Perspective (2nd ed.). Open Textbook Library.
• Walrath, R. (2011). Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_1595