Kohlberg's Stages of Morality

Kohlberg's Stages of Morality

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation

• Characterized by a focus on direct consequences for actions.
• Example: Surfer Dan pretends to be sick to avoid school in favor of surfing.
• Example: Charlie takes 2 Advil tablets to relieve a headache, prioritizing immediate personal relief.

Stage 2: Instrumental Relativist Orientation

• Involves understanding how actions impact personal interests and relationships.
• Example: Ann gives Jill a birthday present anticipating a reciprocal gift.
• Example: Johnny performs well academically to earn a promised reward (a car) from his father.

Stage 3: Interpersonal Concordance Orientation

• Emphasizes living up to social expectations and maintaining good relationships.
• Example: Edgar gets good grades to make his parents proud.
• Example: Janie cleans her room to meet her mother's expectations.

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation

• Encourages adherence to societal rules and the importance of authority for social order.
• Example: David avoids associating with drug users, viewing them as undesirable.
• Example: Albert restricts the use of curse words to informal settings, respecting formal environments.
• Example: Paulie helps Rocky with homework as a demonstration of his commitment to National Honor Society values.

Stage 5: Social Contract Legalistic Orientation

• Acknowledges varying values in society and the necessity of consensus for laws.
• Example: Angela and friends neglect Sophia's financial situation while shopping, showing disregard for collective inclusivity.
• Example: Majority rules determine the movie selection despite differing individual desires.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation

• Grounded in abstract reasoning with a commitment to ethical principles overriding laws.
• Example: June's family supports her needs despite challenges, demonstrating unconditional love and understanding.

Levels of Morality

• Preconventional Morality (Stages 1 & 2): Focus on self-interest and obedience to authority.
• Conventional Morality (Stages 3 & 4): Importance placed on social roles, expectations, and maintaining order.
• Postconventional Morality (Stages 5 & 6): Emphasis on individual rights, societal values, and universal ethical principles.

Stage Descriptions

• Stage 1: Rules are fixed; morality determined by punishment.
• Stage 2: Individual needs are prioritized; reciprocity exists if beneficial.
• Stage 3: Normative social behavior guides morality; emphasis on relationships.
• Stage 4: Societal welfare becomes central; laws and authority are respected.
• Stage 5: Societal contract recognized; laws must align with collective agreement.
• Stage 6: Adherence to ethical principles that may challenge laws; focus on justice.