6 Stages of Moral Development

Moral Development is a necessary aspect of personality development. Knowing what is right and what is wrong is important but acting on it is crucial as well. Many times we know the difference between proper and improper but our actions do not match our moral beliefs. That is where moral development comes in. It focuses on the emergence, change, and understanding of morality from infancy through adulthood. Moral development is provided to children via different activities in school. Moral development is important to keep yourself on the right side of the tracks. There are 6 stages of Moral Development according to the ‘Moral Development Theory’ introduced by Lawrence Kohlberg.

There are 3 levels of moral development which were further divided into 6 stages. The 6 stages of moral development are as follow:

• Level 1: Preconventional

• Level 2: Conventional

• Level 3: Postconventional

Level 1: Preconventional Morality - For young children under the age of 9

Stages:

1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation:

The first stage focuses on the self-interest of a child as he or she tries to make the decision that will help them avoid any punishment. Kohlberg’s theory reflects on the moral thought of children. At a young age, children believe that rules are meant to be followed and the actions that get a punishment as a consequence are morally wrong.

For example, if a student is in dire need of a pencil during an examination, asking his friend for it will be considered irresponsible and cheating because of the ‘no talking rule’. He might even get punishment but that does not make him morally wrong. This stage is labeled preconventional due to the limited association that children have with the outlined principles.

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2. Individualism and Exchange:

In this stage, the children begin to observe that there is more than just one viewpoint to every story while also adapting to the views that have been taught to them. Each person owns a different perspective and what might seem proper to that person may not be the right thing for others. Children at this stage and age are motivated by their self-interest more than their friends and family.

For example, if someone tells you to run to the store and bring some groceries, the child may ask what’s in it for them. The “you scratch my back and I will scratch yours” mindset is the one-liner explanation of this stage.

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Level 2: Conventional Morality - For older children, adolescents, and most adults.

Stages:

3. Good Social Relationships:

Children at the 3rd stage are mostly pre-teens or teenagers who have now successfully adapted to the societal norms present in their surroundings. This stage recognizes the need to belong to a social group, have a social life, and understands how people can be affected by the outcome. In this stage, people understand that even though breaking the rules is bad and people should behave appropriately in communities, there is no simple solution or mantra to moral dilemmas.

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4. Maintaining the Social Order:

While living in a society, people are expected to follow the rules that are set to make the society run smoothly. So in stage 4, it is important to follow the rules, dictums, and social conventions. Moral development is improved from thinking about only yourself to thinking about your actions or your moral beliefs in society. In this stage, each person becomes more aware of the impact of everyone’s actions on others which shows a huge moral development.

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Level 3: Postconventional Morality - Rare with adolescents and a few adults.

Stages:

5. Social Contract and Individual Rights:

This stage is one step ahead of stage 4 where maintaining social order is a priority. Here, in stage 5 people step back from their opinions and try to assess the situation completely and see what is good and just. Issues that are not regarded as relatives like life and choice should never be withheld or inhibited. The different opinions of everyone are respected but the decisions are taken after reflecting on the morals and ethics of the entire community.

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6. Universal Principles:

The last stage of Kolhberg’s ‘Moral Development Theory’ states that moral reasoning is based on personal values. If stage 5 is applied, the majority of the community will be satisfied with their outcome but there will be a minority that is getting hurt. Kohlberg understood that elected processes do not always result in fair outcomes. So, Individuals at this level of reasoning behave in a certain way because it is the right thing to do, and are not motivated by-laws or societal expectations.

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Moral Development is complicated yet very easy to understand and apply. Personality Development training covers all stages of moral development and helps you improve your moral beliefs. Personality development for kids is important because morality and ethical knowledge can be provided in a more advanced way in the training sessions.

The 6 Stages of Moral Development are applied by many to keep their moral beliefs true to their actions. Moral Development helps in making morally and ethically right decisions. The moral judgment of children differs from that of an adult which is only natural. As we grow older, our thought process enhances and our moral beliefs tend to change. Hence, moral development is inevitably important.