Kohlberg propagates moral development theory. He was an American psychologist who extended Piaget’s work of cognitive development. According to Kohlberg, moral development is a slow process and spread overtime only. Morality is a code of conduct put forward by a society, and members of the community have to accept it as a guide for behavior. Morality is not inborn but is an aspect of human behavior that improves over time. Moral development as a whole is a process through which children learn and develop proper attitude and behavior towards other people.
For more such curious science topics, also read our blogs:-
The Big Bang Theory : Beginning of Everything
The Main Phases of the Moon l Lunar Phases Overview
The three aspects of the theory of moral development as put forward by Helen Bee are:
- Moral Behavior
- Moral Feelings
- Moral Judgement
Moral Behavior: Moral behavior is when a person behaves, keeping in mind right and wrong, and social rules to act in a situation.
Moral Feelings: It is the second aspect of ethical development theory. This aspect shows how a child feels when they show immoral conduct. Usually, it is the guilt feeling that occurs.
Moral Judgement: The third aspect of moral development theory is righteous judgment. This aspect shows the basis on which a child judges whether the conduct is right or wrong.
Assumptions of Moral Development Theory
Kohlberg’s stages of moral development theory are based on the following assumptions:
- Human’s are inherited communicative and possess a desire to understand other human beings.
- Moral development theory focuses on the notion that justice is an essential characteristic of moral reasoning.
- One cannot skip the stages of moral development nor go back to previous stages.
Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development
Kohlberg has given three levels of moral development theory consisting of two stages each. The total number of stages is six and consists of three levels each. Not every person makes through all stages. People who use five and six stages are rare. Kohlberg’s theory presents three levels of morality:
- Pre-conventional morality
- Conventional morality
- Post conventional morality
Each level consists of two stages, in a total of six stages
Pre-Conventional Morality
This stage is characterized by a concrete concept of morality in individuals. Behavior is motivated through rewards and punishments. It consists of two stages:
Punishment and Obedience Stage
This stage of moral development theory is based upon the notion of reward and punishment. It is the stage where a child improves his behavior through discipline and also repeats a similar action when a reward is offered for the same.
Exchange stage or Stage of Ego
Children at this stage are egocentric. They are concerned about what’s fair but aren’t much aware of what real justice is. The children at this stage want something in return or in exchange for what they are giving.
Conventional Morality
The children, after entering elementary school, are capable of traditional morality. Children at this stage of the theory of moral development begin to understand what is expected out of them by their parents and teachers.
Good boy/Good girl Stage
There are a sense and awareness of what good boys and good girls should do. The children try to live up to the expectations of society and seek approval of their behavior and moral conduct. Now they become interested in seeking trust and loyalty from others.
Stage of Respect for Social System or Stage of Law and Order
The focus at this stage is to maintain law and order and follow the rules of the society. Children now take the rules of the community as the basis for right and wrong. Showing respect for authority is essential.
Post Conventional Morality
Post conventional morality level is also known as the principled level. The growing realization marks that individuals are separate entities from society. An individual’s perspective may take precedence over society’s views.
Stage of Social Contract
This stage of moral development theory states that individuals begin to question society. The individual considers law and orders a flexible tool that can be used to improve social purpose. Given the right situation, there are exceptions to rules.
Stage of Universal Principles
According to Kohlberg, this is the highest stage of morality. Some individuals will never reach this level. This stage of moral development theory involves self-conscience of oneself. Self-Chosen ethical principles of conscience determine the appropriate action.
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development provides a framework to investigate how moral development occurs within individuals. Moral development plays a vital role in human development.
