Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development: The Six Stages Explained

What are Kohlberg's Moral Development stages?

Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development remains one of the most influential frameworks for understanding how children and adults develop moral reasoning. Building on Piaget's work, Kohlberg proposed six stages grouped into three levels: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. His research using moral dilemmas, particularly the famous Heinz dilemma, revealed how reasoning about ethical situations changes as we mature. For teachers, understanding these stages helps in designing activities that promote moral thinking and creating classroom communities where ethical issues can be openly discussed.

Kohlberg's moral stages are a six-stage theory of how children learn and develop a sense of morality. According to this theory, which was first proposed in the early 1960s by developmental psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg, children pass through six distinct stages as they mature. Each stage involves considering different considerations when deciding what is right and wrong. 

Moral dilemmas can help determine which level of moral development a person is experiencing. By presenting people with moral decision-making tasks, psychologists can assess where individuals fall in the six stages of Kohlberg's moral developmental stages.

Examples of moral dilemmas include questions such as, "Would you go against your parents if they told you to do something wrong?" or "What would you do if you found a wallet full of cash and had an urge to keep it for yourself?"

According to Kohlberg's theory, moral action consists of 3 stages. The first stage is pre-conventional morality, in which a person uses their owninterests and desires as the basis for moral decisions.

The second stage is conventional morality, in which a person follows societal standards and expectations when making moral decisions. Lastly, there is post-conventional morality which involves considering the rights and needs of others when making choices.

With these 3 stages of morality, Kohlberg believed people followed an inherent hierarchy of moral actions. People first acted on the basis of their own interests and desires, then out of societal expectations for acceptable behaviour, and finally, with an understanding of individual rights which guides their moral choices. This concept is often referred to as "the morality of actions" and shows how Kohlberg's theory can be applied in different situations.

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Who was Lawrence Kohlberg?

Lawrence Kohlberg (1927-1987) was a prominent American psychologist and educator, best known for his groundbreaking work on moral development. Born in Bronxville, New York, he pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he earned his bachelor's degree in just one year. Kohlberg's academic journey was marked by an insatiable curiosity and a commitment to understanding human behaviour.

1. Early Life and Education: Kohlberg served in the merchant marines before attending the University of Chicago. His early exposure to different cultures fueled his interest in moral reasoning.
2. Moral Development Theory: His theory of moral development, which expanded on Piaget's work, has had a profound impact on psychology, education, and ethics. It consists of three levels, each containing two stages, outlining the moral evolution of individuals.
3. Broader Contributions: Beyond moral development, Kohlberg's work in educational philosophy emphasised democratic values and student autonomy. He was a proponent of "just community" schools, where democratic principles were integrated into daily school life.
4. Personal Life and Legacy: Tragically, Kohlberg's life was cut short when he died by suicide in 1987. His work continues to influence various fields, and his ideas are still debated and expanded upon.
5. Statistics and Impact: Kohlberg's work has been cited in over 20,000 scholarly articles, reflecting its enduring influence.
6. Expert Quote: Renowned psychologist Carol Gilligan once said of Kohlberg, "His vision of a just community set a new standard for the democratic classroom."

Kohlberg's legacy is not confined to his theory of moral development. His broader contributions to academia, including his emphasis on democratic education and his commitment to applying psychological principles to real-world ethical dilemmas, continue to resonate in contemporary research and educational practices. His life and work remain a testament to the power of rigorous intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of understanding the complexities of human nature.

To strengthen and support his theories, Kohlberg conducted empirical studies on diverse populations across cultures using surveys, interviews and moral dilemmas. From these studies, he found that most people moved through the stages in a linear fashion from early childhood to adulthood.

His findings and research have become important contributions to the field of psychology as well aspsychology as well as moral philosophy and education.

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Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development Explained

Let's examine deeper into each of Kohlberg's stages of moral development:

1. Level 1: Pre-Conventional Morality
   • Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment Orientation. At this stage, individuals focus on direct consequences for their actions. Morality is defined by avoiding punishment. For example, a child might think, "I shouldn't steal because I'll get caught and punished."
   • Stage 2: Individualism and Exchange. This stage involves recognising that others have different viewpoints. Moral decisions are based on self-interest, with an understanding that others also pursue their own interests. "I'll help you if you help me."

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Practical Applications for Teachers

Understanding Kohlberg's stages can greatly benefit teachers in several ways:

1. Tailoring Instruction: Teachers can design lessons and activities that challenge students' moral reasoning at their current stage of development, encouraging them to progress to higher stages. For example, presenting ethical dilemmas in literature or history can stimulate discussions about different perspectives and moral principles.
2. Facilitating Classroom Discussions: By understanding the different stages, teachers can better facilitate discussions on ethical issues. They can encourage students to articulate their reasoning and challenge them to consider alternative viewpoints. Creating a safe and respectful classroom environment is crucial for these discussions.
3. Addressing Behavioural Issues: When addressing misbehaviour, teachers can consider the student's stage of moral development. Instead of simply imposing punishment, they can engage the student in a conversation about the impact of their actions on others and encourage them to take responsibility.
4. Promoting Moral Development: Teachers can model ethical behaviour and explicitly teach moral principles. By creating a classroom culture that values fairness, respect, and empathy, they can creates students' moral growth. This can involve activities such as role-playing, debates, and community service projects.

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Criticisms of Kohlberg's Theory

While Kohlberg's theory has been highly influential, it has also faced criticism. Some key points of contention include:

1. Cultural Bias: Critics argue that Kohlberg's theory is culturally biased, as it primarily reflects Western, individualistic values. The stages may not be universally applicable across different cultures with varying moral frameworks.
2. Gender Bias: Carol Gilligan famously criticised Kohlberg's research for focusing predominantly on male subjects. She argued that women often prioritise care and relationships in their moral reasoning, which may not be adequately captured by Kohlberg's stages.
3. Emphasis on Reasoning over Behaviour: Kohlberg's theory focuses on moral reasoning, but critics point out that moral reasoning does not always translate into moral behaviour. Individuals may understand the morally correct course of action but fail to act accordingly due to various factors.
4. Stage Consistency: Some research suggests that individuals may not consistently reason at a single stage across different moral dilemmas. Their reasoning may vary depending on the specific context and personal factors.

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Conclusion

Kohlberg's stages of moral development provide a valuable framework for understanding how individuals develop their moral reasoning. While the theory has limitations, it offers educators practical insights into how to promote ethical thinking and create classroom environments that creates moral growth. By considering the different stages and facilitating open discussions about ethical dilemmas, teachers can help students develop a deeper understanding of moral principles and their application in real-world situations.

Ultimately, promoting moral development is an ongoing process that requires a multifaceted approach. Educators must create opportunities for students to engage in critical thinking, perspective-taking, and ethical decision-making. By nurturing their students' moral reasoning skills, teachers can help them become responsible, ethical, and compassionate members of society.

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Further Reading

Moral development research

Kohlberg's stages

Moral reasoning in education

1. Colby, A., Kohlberg, L., Gibbs, J., & Lieberman, M. (1983). A longitudinal study of moral judgment. *Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development*, *48*(1-2, Serial No. 200).
5. Gilligan, C. (1982). *In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women's Development*. Harvard University Press.
6. Kohlberg, L. (1981). *Essays on Moral Development, Vol. 1: The Philosophy of Moral Development*. Harper & Row.
7. Kohlberg, L. (1984). *Essays on Moral Development, Vol. 2: The Psychology of Moral Development*. Harper & Row.
8. Walker, L. J. (1989). A longitudinal study of moral reasoning. *Child Development*, *60*(1), 157-166.