Stages of Moral Development

1. Stages of Moral Development Lawrence Kohlberg 1927-1987

2. Kohlberg’s Pyramid of Stages Level III Post-Conventional Level II Conventional Level I Pre-Conventional

3. Stage 1: Reward/Punishment • Right or wrong are determined by the reward or punishment that accompanies the action. • Children associate right with “yes” actions (hug, kiss, treat, smile) and wrong with “no” actions (scowl, sent to room, taking something away). • Good therefore, means earning a reward and avoiding punishment (“It’s good as long as I don’t get caught”). • Basic criminal mentality. • Examples: • Cheating on a test as long as there is no risk of getting caught • Not reporting hitting a parked car if no one saw it • Having sex as long as protection is used ** Many teenagers and adults operate at this level of moral development.

4. Stage 2: Self-Interest • “Me First” attitude • Right is based on what makes “me” feel good (satisfied, gratified, pleasure); wrong is based on what makes “me” feel bad (discomfort, hurt, dissatisfied). • Basis for moral decisions is essentially selfish  the needs of others are considered only insofar as they affect the individual (“If I do this for you, what will I get in return?”). • Reverse Golden Rule • Examples: • Not “picking on” others so as not to be picked on ** Many adults will operate at this level of moral development for the rest of their lives.

5. Stage 3: Pleasing Others • Right or wrong depends mainly on what pleases or displeases others. • “Good boy” / “Good girl” mentality • When a decision receives approval, it is right; when a decision is disapproved, it is wrong. • “Everybody does it” / peer pressure • Highly pronounced level of morality for teenagers (acceptance). • Examples: • Skipping school because friends are • Partying to be part of the “in” crowd • Having sex with boyfriend/girlfriend to “keep” them ** According to Kohlberg’s research, many adults never even reach this stage!

7. Stage 4: Law and Order • Right is based on obedience to the law and legitimate authority. • Something that is legally right must be morally right. • The law mentality translates into any group or society to which the individual belongs (ie. religion, community, government). • Limited room for individual thought process or judgment. • Examples: • Ok to drink if parents approve • Ok to have sexual intercourse if parents do not mind

8. Stage 5: Social Contract • “What society stands for” • Looks to those generally agreed upon norms and rights upon which society is based. • If the laws support these standards, then laws are to be obeyed; but if laws contradict these standards, then grounds for civil disobedience. • Laws are not norms in and of themselves; they are capable of being changed for the sake of the greater, common purpose. • Many do not reach this stage...examples: • Vandalism at school – social concern or against school rules? • Not speeding – right to life or fear of being caught?

9. Stage 6: Principle • Highest level of moral development. • People operate morally based on universal ethical principles. • Not concrete rules or commandments, but rather the basis of laws and commandments – they are good in and of themselves. • Right is viewed as following one’s informed conscience which follows guidelines that go beyond the good of the individual or the good of society – rooted in love and compassion (agape). • Complete respect and understanding for the dignity of all humanity and creation. • Willing to risk punishment when seeking the greater good; set aside self-interest. • Golden Rule

10. Think About It: • People move from stage to stage of moral growth as they mature. • No one skips stages; people move from one to another. A person may slip back a stage or two in certain areas of decision making or when under stress. • Some people never move beyond Stage 1 or 2. • Learning to make good choices now and growing in Christ will help a person reach Stage 6, which is a level of deep, personal maturity and freedom.