Level 1: preconventional morality

 

Stage 1 (ages 2-4): Individual obeys rules in order to avoid punishment.

Learns that some things should be avoided because of pain or discomfort that results from touching or in some way being involved with that object or situation. With the absence of any negative outcome, the child will see no reason for avoidance. A good or bad action is determined by its physical consequences.

 

Stage 2 (ages 4-7): Individual conforms to society's rules in order to receive rewards.

 

Learns that the doing of certain things produces a positive outcome (attention, praise, reward or token). The child sees a benefit in doing that which is rewarded. Personal needs determine right or wrong. Favors are returned with the perspective of "I'll do something good for you if you do something good for me.

 

Level 2: conventional morality

 

Stage 3 (ages 7-10): Individual behaves morally in order to gain approval from other people.

Good boy-good girl motivation. "Good" means "nice" to those in this stage. What pleases or meets the approval of others heavily influences behavior.

 

Stage 4 (ages 10-12): Conformity to authority to avoid censure and guilt.

 

Laws are absolute. Laws must be obeyed, authority must be respected and social order has to be maintained. Punishment is according to the rules. Legalistic view.

 

Level 3: postconventional morality (abstract and more individualized principles are used)

 

Stage 5 (teen years): Individual is concerned with individual rights and democratically decided laws.

The individual and peers with which he or she has aligned self determine what is acceptable and unacceptable for their society. Persons in this stage see it as acceptable for other societies or groups to have different views of right and wrong.

 

Stage 6 (mature adult): Individual is entirely guided by his or her own conscience

That which is good and correct is a matter of individual conscience but is not determined by what is convenient or necessarily beneficial for the individual. Morals are based on abstract concepts of kindness, justice and rightness. There is the belief for those in this stage that there are universal truths that should be agreed upon by all people and societies. There is a willingness to risk self for ones convictions.

 

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