Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Definition

The process throught which children develop proper attitudes and behaviors toward other people in society, based on social and cultural norms, rules, and laws.

Obedience/Punishment

Self-Interest

Conformity and Interpersonal Accord

Authority and Social Order

Social Contract

Universal Principles

Age Range = Infancy

Age Range = Pre-School

Age Range = School-Age

Age Range = School-Age

Age Range = Teens

Age Range = Adulthood

No difference between doing the right thing and avoiding punishment.

Orientation toward fixed rules. The purpose of morality is maintaining the social order. Interpersonal accord is expanded to include the entire society.

Interest shfts to rewards rather than punishment - effort is made to secure greater benefit for oneself.

The "good girl/boy" level. Effort is made to secure approval and maintain friendly relations with others.

Mutual benefit, reciprocity. Morally right and legally right are not always the same. Utilitarian rules that make life better for everyone.

Morality is based on principles that transcend mutual benefit.