Stages of Moral Development to Know for Educational Psychology

Moral development shapes how we understand right and wrong, influencing behavior and social norms. Kohlberg's stages highlight this growth, connecting to deviance and social control by showing how moral reasoning impacts individual choices and societal expectations.

1. Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

   • Proposes that moral reasoning develops in stages.
   • Divided into three main levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional.
   • Each level contains two stages, reflecting a progression in moral reasoning complexity.

2. Pre-conventional Level

   • Characterized by a focus on self-interest and avoiding punishment.
   • Moral reasoning is based on direct consequences to oneself.
   • Typically seen in children, where rules are viewed as fixed and absolute.

3. Conventional Level

   • Involves adherence to social norms and the expectations of others.
   • Individuals seek to maintain relationships and social order.
   • Moral reasoning is based on the approval of others and the importance of law and order.

4. Post-conventional Level

   • Represents a more abstract understanding of morality.
   • Individuals recognize universal ethical principles that transcend laws.
   • Moral reasoning is based on personal principles and the greater good.

5. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

   • Stage 1 of the pre-conventional level.
   • Focuses on avoiding punishment and obeying authority.
   • Actions are judged as right or wrong based on their consequences.

6. Self-Interest Orientation

   • Stage 2 of the pre-conventional level.
   • Emphasizes individual needs and benefits.
   • Moral decisions are made based on what serves one's own interests.

7. Interpersonal Accord and Conformity

   • Stage 3 of the conventional level.
   • Centers on gaining approval and maintaining relationships.
   • Moral reasoning is influenced by social expectations and norms.

8. Authority and Social-Order Maintaining Orientation

   • Stage 4 of the conventional level.
   • Focuses on maintaining social order and following laws.
   • Individuals believe in the importance of rules for societal functioning.

9. Social Contract Orientation

   • Stage 5 of the post-conventional level.
   • Recognizes that laws are social contracts that can be changed for the common good.
   • Emphasizes individual rights and democratic principles.

10. Universal Ethical Principles

    • Stage 6 of the post-conventional level.
    • Involves moral reasoning based on universal ethical principles, such as justice and equality.
    • Individuals act according to their own conscience, even if it conflicts with laws.

11. Piaget's Theory of Moral Development

    • Focuses on how children develop moral reasoning through cognitive development.
    • Emphasizes the role of social interactions in moral understanding.
    • Identifies two stages: heteronomous morality and autonomous morality.

12. Heteronomous Morality

    • Stage 1 of Piaget's theory.
    • Children view rules as fixed and imposed by authority figures.
    • Moral judgments are based on consequences rather than intentions.

13. Autonomous Morality

    • Stage 2 of Piaget's theory.
    • Children understand that rules are created by people and can be changed.
    • Emphasizes the importance of intentions and mutual respect in moral reasoning.

14. Gilligan's Ethics of Care

    • Critiques Kohlberg's theory for being male-centric and emphasizing justice over care.
    • Proposes that moral development includes an ethic of care and relationships.
    • Highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in moral reasoning.

15. Criticisms and Limitations of Moral Development Theories

    • Some argue that moral development is not strictly linear and can vary by culture.
    • Critics point out gender biases in Kohlberg's stages, particularly in the emphasis on justice.
    • The theories may overlook the role of emotions and social context in moral decision-making.