Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development Theory Flashcards
What is the first level?
Pre-conventional
What are the two stages in the pre-conventional level?
Obedience and punishment;
Individualism and exchange
What occurs in the obedience and punishment stage?
Morality is based on avoiding punishment;
A focus on the consequences of actions, rather than intentions;
Intrinsic deference to authority
What occurs in the individualism and exchange stage?
The “right” behaviors are those that are in best interest of oneself;
Tit or tat mentality
What is the second level?
Conventional
What are the two stages in the conventional level?
Interpersonal relationships;
Authority and social order
What occurs in the interpersonal relationships stage?
“Good boy / Good girl” attitude;
Sees individuals as filling social roles
What occurs in the authority and social order stage?
Law and order as highest ideals;
Social obedience is a must to maintaining a functional society
What is the third level?
Post-conventional
What are the two stages in the post-conventional level?
Social contract;
Universal principles
What occurs in the social contract stage?
Begin to learn others have different values;
Realization that law is contingent on culture
What occurs in the universal principles stage?
Develop internal moral principles;
Individual begins to obey these above the law
