1. Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development Unit 2

3. Who is Lawrence Kohlberg?
Kohlberg developed his six-stage theory on moral development while working on his doctorate degree.
His theory changed the way sociologists and psychologists
Kohlberg’s theory includes three levels of moral reasoning.
Level 1: Pre-Conventional morality
Level 2: Conventional Morality
Level 3: Post-Conventional morality.
Each of these levels are divided into two stages, for a total of six

4. Kohlberg’s Six Stages Moral development stages
Lets explore the relationship of these stages to your life experience

5. Lawrence Kohlberg and The Stages of Morality
1. Preconventional Morality
2. Conventional Morality
3. Postconventional Morality

7. - Describe the differences between the 3 main stages.
Table Talk
- Describe the differences between the 3 main stages.

9. 1. Pre-Conventional Morality
The first level, is found in children between the ages of 4 and 10 years old.
This level consists of Stage 1 and Stage 2.
Stage 1 is described as “orientation toward punishment and obedience.”
Children in this stage tend to obey rules only to avoid punishment.
Stage 2 is “instrumental purpose and exchange.”
In this stage, children’s actions are based on consideration for what others can do for them. They follow rules simply out of self-interest

10. 2. Conventional Morality
The second level is reached between ages 10 and 13
Although some individuals never move beyond this level.
This level includes Stage 3 and Stage 4.
Stage 3 is concerned with “maintaining mutual relations, approval of others, and the golden rule.”
Children in this stage want to help others, can judge the intentions of others, and can develop their own ideas regarding morality.
Stage 4 refers to “social concern and conscience.”
At this stage, individuals are concerned with respecting authority (following the law), maintaining social order, and doing their duty within society.

11. 3. Post-Conventional Morality
The final level is reached in early adolescence or young adulthood
Although some individuals never reach this level.
This level is comprised of Stage 5 and Stage 6.
Stage 5 is the stage concerned with “morality of contract, of individual rights, and of democratically accepted law.”
In this stage, individuals value the will of the majority and the well-being of society.
Stage 6 individuals are more concerned with the “morality of universal ethical principles.”
In this stage, individuals do what they think is right, even if it is in conflict with the law.

12. Quick Write
Reflect on all that you have learned about Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory:
Consider the events and the decisions you have made in your own life throughout each stage of your moral development.
Place yourself within one of Kohlberg’s Moral Development stages and describe why you are in that stage.