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Questions and Answers
What defines morality at the postconventional level?
In Kohlberg's theory, which stage is characterized by individuals viewing laws and rules as flexible tools for improving human purposes?
According to research, who tends to use higher stages of moral reasoning?
What criticism has Kohlberg's theory faced regarding gender differences?
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Why has Kohlberg's theory been influential despite criticisms?
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At which level of moral development in Lawrence Kohlberg's theory do individuals prioritize conformity to social rules?
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In which stage of moral development do individuals obey rules to avoid punishment according to Kohlberg's theory?
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What is the emphasis at the conventional level of moral development?
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Which stage in Kohlberg's theory involves individuals considering societal laws and the larger perspective of social order?
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At which stage of moral development do individuals aim to maintain or win the affection and approval of others?
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Study Notes
Lawrence Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development: A Comprehensive Theory of Moral Thinking
Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, introduced in 1958, is a cognitive theory that focuses on the decision-making process when determining right from wrong. It is based on Jean Piaget's work on moral judgment for children and emphasizes the thought process behind moral dilemmas rather than the decision itself or the resulting actions.
Kohlberg's theory consists of six stages organized into three levels of moral development:
Preconventional Level
At the preconventional level, morality is externally controlled. Individuals conform to rules to avoid punishment or receive rewards.
- Stage 1: Punishment/Obedience Orientation Behavior is determined by consequences. Individuals obey rules to avoid punishment.
- Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose Orientation Behavior is determined by consequences. Individuals focus on receiving rewards or satisfying personal needs.
Conventional Level
At the conventional level, individuals prioritize conformity to social rules. The emphasis shifts from self-interest to relationships and social systems.
- Stage 3: Good Boy/Nice Girl Orientation Behavior is determined by social approval. Individuals aim to maintain or win the affection and approval of others.
- Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation Social rules and laws determine behavior. Individuals consider societal laws and the larger perspective of social order.
Postconventional or Principled Level
At the postconventional level, individuals move beyond their own society's perspective. Morality is defined by abstract principles and values applicable to all situations and societies.
- Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation Individual rights determine behavior. Individuals view laws and rules as flexible tools for improving human purposes.
- Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principle Orientation At this stage, individuals determine appropriate actions based on their self-chosen ethical principles of conscience. These principles are abstract and universal in application.
Research has shown that older individuals tend to use higher stages of moral reasoning compared to younger individuals, and there is an upward progression in moral development. Comprehension of the stages is cumulative, and comprehension of higher stages is increasingly difficult. Age trends in moral development have received cross-cultural support, and every individual progresses through the same sequence of development, but rates of development vary.
Kohlberg's theory has been criticized for its universalization of moral development patterns exhibited by boys and disregard for distinct patterns in girls. However, it has been influential in shaping our understanding of moral development and has led to the development of various measurement tools to assess moral reasoning, such as the Moral Judgment Interview and the Defining Issues Test.
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Description
Explore Lawrence Kohlberg's theory of moral development, which outlines six stages in three levels of moral thinking. Learn about the progression from external control to internal ethical principles and how individuals navigate moral dilemmas.
