Moral Development Theory
- The moral development theory was constructed by American psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg.
- The moral development theory states that people go through six stages during their own moral development.
- Moral development refers to how we distinguish right from wrong. This understanding changes as we mature.
- Moral reasoning is how we think about right and wrong and what we should do in certain situations.
Pre-Conventional
Avoiding Punishment - Stage 1
- Moral decisions are done in order to prevent punishment to oneself.
Self-Interest - Stage 2
- Moral decisions are taken depending on whether or not they benefit oneself.
Conventional
Good Boy Attitude -Stage 3
- Moral decisions are taken to fulfill one's societal role and expectations from others.
Law and Order Mentality - Stage 4
- Moral decisions strictly follow law and order. Believing that laws are important to be obeyed.
Post-Conventional
Social Contract - Stage 5
- Laws are social contracts (beneficial agreements) that exist for good. However, sometimes they can get in the way of the interest of certain individuals.
Principle - Stage 6
- Focused strictly on human rights and well-being of people.
- Challenges laws and norms if they go against human rights.