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Kohlberg's Moral Stage Theory
Explanations > Learning Theory > Kohlberg's Moral Stage Theory
Lawrence Kohlberg found that Piaget's stage theory was rather simplistic and discovered that individuals mix their modes of thinking, particularly in moral development. He developed a six stage model, broken down into three levels and with two stages at each level.
| Level | Name | Characteristics |
| Level 1 | Pre-conventional | |
| Stage 1 | Heteronomous morality | Sticks to the rules. |
| Stage 2 | Individualism / instrumentalism | Concrete individual interests. Is aware of others' interests. |
| Level 2 | Conventional | |
| Stage 3 | Mutual interpersonal | Lives up to others' expectations in order to be seen to be good and then has self-regard as being good. |
| Stage 4 | Social system and conscience | Fulfils social duties in order to keep the social system going. |
| Level 3 | Post-conventional | |
| Stage 5 | Social contract | Upholds relative rules in the interest of impartiality and welfare for all. |
| Stage 6 | Universal ethical principles | Follows self-chosen ethical principles, even when they conflict with the laws. |
So what?
When working with people's values and ethics, be aware of the stage that they are at. Work with their values, not yours.
You may also consider displaying values that are similar to theirs, but beware of the traps of appearing false and immoral that this can bring.
See also
Kohlberg, L. (1986). The Philosophy of Moral Development, Harper and Row, San Francisco
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