Levels of Developing Morality in Kohlberg's Theories

Introduction

• Key Questions: How do kids develop a sense of right and wrong? Why do some people stand up for what's right while others struggle?
• Theory by Lawrence Kohlberg: Focuses on children's development of morality and ethical reasoning. Suggests moral development occurs in 6 stages, focusing on seeking and maintaining justice.
• Stages Overview:
  • Early stages: Obeying authority.
  • Later stages: Focused on relationships and social order.
  • Final stages: Based on social contracts, individual rights, and universal principles.

What Is Moral Development?

• Definition: Process of developing the distinction between right and wrong and engaging in moral reasoning.
• Influences: Parents, religious leaders, and societal influences play significant roles.
• Kohlberg's Theory: Extends Piaget's work, proposes moral development is a lifelong process with 6 stages across 3 levels.

How Kohlberg Developed His Theory

• Methodology: Based on moral dilemmas (like "Heinz Steals the Drug") to analyze reasoning behind decisions.
• Focus: Interested in the reasoning rather than the decision itself, classifying reasoning into stages.

Stages of Moral Development

Level 1: Preconventional Morality (Ages 0-9)

• Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment
  • Rules seen as absolute.
  • Obedience to avoid punishment.
• Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange
  • Decisions based on individual needs.
  • Reciprocity only if it serves one's own interests.

Level 2: Conventional Morality (Early Adolescence to Adulthood)

• Stage 3: Developing Good Interpersonal Relationships
  • Focus on social expectations and roles.
  • Emphasis on conformity and relationships.
• Stage 4: Maintaining Social Order
  • Consideration of society as a whole.
  • Importance of law and order, respecting authority.

Level 3: Postconventional Morality (Rare in Adults)

• Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights
  • Consideration of differing values and beliefs.
  • Rules important but should be agreed upon by society.
• Stage 6: Universal Principles
  • Based on abstract reasoning and universal ethics.
  • Internal principles may conflict with laws.

Criticisms of Kohlberg's Theory

• Moral reasoning vs. behavior: Knowing doesn't always translate to doing.
• Overemphasis on justice: Lacks consideration for compassion and caring.
• Cultural and Age Bias: Western-centric, mostly male subjects, and young age group.
• Gender Bias: Critiqued for not adequately addressing female moral reasoning based on care and concern.

Real-World Applications

• Parenting: Guide children according to their developmental stage.
• Education: Teachers set rules, guide moral development appropriate to stage.

Other Theories of Moral Development

Piaget's Theory

• Three Stages: Focus on skill development, respect for authority, and understanding rules as arbitrary.
• Kohlberg vs. Piaget: Kohlberg adds more stages, final stage rare.

Moral Foundations Theory

• Three Principles: Intuition before reasoning, morality beyond harm/fairness, group dynamics influence morality.

Normative Theories of Moral Behavior

• Transcendental institutionalist vs. Realization-focused: Perfect justice vs. removing injustices (e.g., social choice theory).

Conclusion

• Significance: Kohlberg's theory is influential in moral psychology.
• Research Continuation: Ongoing exploration of moral reasoning development.
• Practical Insights: Understanding stages helps in guiding children's moral education and decision-making.