Define the Stages of Moral Development
In 1958, psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg expanded on his mentor, Jean Piaget's, theories about human development. Understanding Kohlberg's six stages of moral development can be helpful to educators and parents as they guide children through various developmental stages.
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Obedience and Punishment Orientation
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In this stage, children obey rules because the rules have been passed down by authority figures. They fear the punishment that may come if they do not follow the rules.
Individualism and Exchange
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In this phase, children begin to feel that there are multiple opinions being handed down about what is right and wrong. Everyone is rightfully trying to avoid punishment for his beliefs.
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Good Interpersonal Relationships
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Occurring in the teenage years, this phase involves teenagers believing that moral action should be based on care and love for communities and families.
Maintaining Social Order
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This phase involves the realization that the good within a society is crucial for social order. Thus, a person begins to see that even if something is good at a local level (family and community) it may not be good for society as a whole.
Social Contract and Individual Rights
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In this phase, a person begins to see the fusion between individual rights and a smoothly running society. Individuals contemplate how the two can both be achieved.
Universal Principles
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This stage involves an understanding of general rights that do not change for all people: basic equality and respect. In this stage, moral decision-making involves a look at the situation from the perspective of all people involved before any decision is made.
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