How Is Moral Development Achieved?
Moral development is the acquisition of a sense of right and wrong. The moral development of an individual is influenced by the teachings and actions of those around him. Society at large benefits from the moral consciousness and development of its individual members.
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Necessity of Morals
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Moral development is essential for both individuals and society. Without moral development humans lack a basic sense of right and wrong and therefore cannot interact with others in positive ways or contribute to the stability of communities. Morals make civilization possible and maintain social order.
Basics of Morality
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Moral development occurs along with general cognitive development. Each learning experience adds a new dimension to the moral development of an individual. It is possible to trace moral development through interpretations, judgments, and decisions in response to specific situations. Each time the process is completed and repeated, it builds upon itself and becomes more streamlined, as meaningful comparisons can be based on previous experiences.
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Morals in Children
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Children under the age of 10 have morals chiefly influenced by the rules set down by authority figures in their lives. These rules and laws are viewed as absolutes, and morals are based on the consequences of following or failing to follow these rules. This type of morality is external and does not involve an internalized sense yet of right and wrong, only of punishment and rewards.
Growing Autonomy
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Young people between the ages of 10-12 enter a transitional stage in which morality begins to be based on more autonomous judgments, intentions, and an understanding of the end products of action. They begin to be able to build upon previous experiences. This is the start of the realization that not all laws and rules are absolutes and that authority figures may not necessarily know the best methods or have the best morals themselves. This is also the beginning of realizing that few circumstances are black and white, which allows young people to view situations though the eyes of others and to develop empathy.
Adult Morals
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Adults use their moral sense to negotiate complex situations. Adults draw upon both their own previous experiences and the experiences of others to determine the moral rightness or wrongness of a situation. This process benefits the individual as well as society in general. The adult moral stance goes well beyond a simple sense of guilt verses innocence and extends to needs and justifications. This form of morality is then learned by younger generations and influences their development.
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