KOHLBERGS’ STAGES OF MORAL

DEVELOPMENT

By: Lovely Pearl V. Franco

Who is Kohlberg?Lawrence Kohlberg was for many years, a professor atHarvard University. He became famous for his workthere beginning in the early 1970s. He started as adevelopmental psychologist and then moved to thefield of moral education. He was particularly well-known for his theory of moral development which hepopularized through research studies conducted atHarvard's Center for Moral Education.

STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT

LEVEL 1Pre-Conventional Morality

(up to age of nine)

STAGES OF PRE-CONVENTIONAL

Stage 2. Individualism and Exchange

At this stage children recognize thatthere is not just one right view that ishanded down by the authorities.Different individuals have differentviewpoints.

LEVEL 2Conventional Morality

(Age of nine to adolescent)

STAGES OF CONVENTIONAL

Stage 3. Good Interpersonal Relationships

The child/individual is good in order tobe seen as being a good person byothers. Therefore, answers are relatedto the approval of others.

Stage 4. Maintaining the Social Order

The child/individual becomes aware ofthe wider rules of society so judgmentsconcern obeying rules in order touphold the law and to avoid guilt.

LEVEL 3Post-conventional Morality

(Adulthood)

STAGES OF POST-CONVENTIONAL

Stage 5. Social Contract and Individual Rights

The child/individual becomes aware thatwhile rules/laws might exist for the good ofthe greatest number, there are times whenthey will work against the interest ofparticular individuals. The issues are notalways clear cut.

Stage 6. Universal Principles

People at this stage have developedtheir own set of moral guidelineswhich may or may not fit the law. Theprinciples apply to everyone.

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