Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development: 3 levels and 6 stages of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development

Lawrence Kohlberg was an American psychologist famous for his theory of moral development in which he explained 3 levels and 6 stages of moral development.

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development

• Kohlberg’s theory of Moral development shows a clear connection between cognitive maturity and moral maturity.
• This theory is based on Piaget’s Moral development theory.
• It focuses on children’s development of morality and moral reasoning.

What is Moral development?

Moral development deals with the way we identify right and wrong as we grow up and go through adulthood.

Three Level of Morality

We can observe 3 levels and 6 stages of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development in following manner and categories-

1. Pre-conventional level (4-10 years)
2. Conventional level (10-13 years)
3. Post conventional level (13 and above)

Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development

There are following 6 stages of Lawrence Kohlberg’s stages of moral development based on 3 levels of morality-   

1.[Level-1]= Pre-conventional level- (Young children- usually prior to age 10)

• Stage:1– Obedience and Punishment orientation-.Behavior is determined by consequences. The individual will obey in order to avoid punishment.
• Stage:2– Individualism and exchange/ Personal Reward Orientation– conforms to get rewards and to have favors returned.

2. [Level-2]= Conventional level- (Older children, adolescents, and most adults)

• Stage:3– Interpersonal Relationship/ Good boy or Good girl Orientation:- Make decisions on the basis of what pleases others. concerned about maintaining interpersonal relationships.

• Stage:4– Maintaining the social order/ Law and Order – The desire to maintain a functional society by obeying laws drives behaviors.

3. [Level-3]= Post conventional level- (Rare with adolescents and few adults)

• Stage:5– Social contract and Individual Rights- Ravi should steal the pen  because everyone has a right to choose life, regardless of the law.
• Stage:6– Universal ethical Principles– Based on universal ethical principles such as the ‘golden rule’ that you should treat others as you want them to treat you.

Conclusion of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development–

 He concluded that moral growth begins in childhood and continues throughout your entire life. Theory of Moral Development is hierarchical, people progress in their moral reasoning.

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