Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Post Conventional Level

A stage of moral development in which the individuals consider universal moral principles, which supersede the authority of the group.

Conventional Level, Stage 4

Authority Orientation; Emphasis is on upholding law, order, authority, and social rules. -A feeling of 'doing one's duty' to society.

Pre-conventional level

Comprised of stages 1 and 2; a stage or moral development in which moral reasoning is based on reward and punishment from those in authority.

Conventional Level, Stage 3

Good Girl/Good Boy Orientation; Good behaviour is that which pleases others in the immediate group or which brings approval -The emphasis is on 'being nice'. -The individual begins to internalize parental/societal values.

Post Conventional, Stage 6

Morality of Individual Principles; The individual's behaviour is directed by self-chosen ethical principles that tend to be general, comprehensive, or universal. -High value is placed on justice, dignity, and equality. -This is a theoretical stage because people never reach this stage on a regular basis. -Kohlberg believed that if we could all reach this stage we could do away with all laws and rules.

Pre-conventional Level, Stage 2

Pleasure-seeking Orientation; the individual seeks to satisfy their own needs by behaving in a manner that will gain rewards and the return of favours. -With this stage there is no internalization of values, only what is right or wrong. -Convern about others onlt in regard to what benefits the individual can gain for themselves. "It's all about me."

Pre-conventional Level, Stage 1

Punishment Orientation; once known as the "pre-moral level", it is defined as a stage of moral development in which the individual is characterized as not understanding the rules or feeling a sense of obligation to them. -Actions are evaluated in terms of possible punishment, and the individual is looking to experience only what is good or pleasant, and avoid that which is painful or bad.

Post Conventional Level, Stage 5

Social Construct Orientation; The individual thinks in terms of the rights of others, the genera welfare of the community, and a duty to conform to the laws and standards established by the will of the majority. -Always defers to whatever provides the 'Greater Good' -"What is best for the most people?"

Conventional Level

Comprised of Stages 3 and 4; A stage of moral development in which the expectations of the social group are supported and maintained.