What is Kohlberg’s theory of moral development? It is a theory that explores how our understanding of ethics deepens within time. This theory was developed by a psychologist known as Lawrence Kohlberg shaping the way we make decisions about right and wrong. It consists of three levels of development. Let’s dive into each level of Kolberg theory of moral development.
The Three Levels of Moral Development
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development consists of three levels.
- Pre conventional level
- Conventional level
- Post conventional level
Pre conventional level
This typically occurs in young children based primarily on external consequences rather than internalized values.
- Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation
- Stage 2: Individualism and exchange
Stage 1: Obedience and punishment orientation
In this stage right behavior is seen as obedience to authority, this means that they make their decisions based on their actions. For example, what will happen to them if they break rules. In this stage the idividuaql focus on avoiding punishment. Like a student completing homework on time to avoid punishment. The other example is if a child is told not to touch the cady jar. They will not do it not because they think that candy jar is bad but because they fear the punishment they will get if they do not listen.
Stage 2: Individualism and exchange
The second stage of Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is known as individualism and exchange. This means that at this stage the individual recognizes that every person has their own perspective. They make decisions based on what will benefit them or how their actions will serve others in a mutually beneficial way. For example, the child will help the other child with homework because they will believe that the other child will help him too when needed. This indicates that the child’s moral decision is based on the belief that if he does something good then he will benefit from it in future.
Conventional level
This level of Kohlberg’s theory is known as conventional level typically occurs in adolescents and adults and is focused on social norms and expectations.
Stage 3: Good interpersonal relationships
In this stage of conventional level, moral decisions are based on desire to be seen as good person and to live up to the expectations of others such as family, friends, or society. For example, a student helping friends to maintain positive relationships or a teenager coming home on time to avoid parents’ disappointment.
Stage 4: Maintaining social order
According to this stage of conventional level, the individuals obey laws to maintain social order. They recognize the rules and laws of society and obey them. They obey the laws not because they gain personal benefit but because they know that following the laws serve greater purpose in maintaining social order. For example, stopping on red light or paying taxes.
Post conventional level
Post conventional level is the third level of Kohlberg’s moral development. At this level, the individual makes moral judgments based on universal ethical principles and personal values. And everyone does not always reach this level.
Stage 5: Social contract and Individual rights
The understanding of individuals that laws and rules can be changed for greater good, this means that the social rules should respect the rights of individuals. The one of the examples, is participating in protest if the system rules are unjust with them.
Stage 6: Universal Principles
This is the highest stage of moral development, and the individual makes decisions based on universal ethical principles such as justice and equality. A nurse challenging policy that is unjust even though it is legal and accepted by the colleagues.
Kohlberg’s theory application in nursing practice
This theory of Kohlberg moral development helps the nurses to make ethical decisions. The pre-conventional level focuses on personal gain or avoiding punishment. Nurses with conventional levels are more concerned with social expectations and relationships with others. Whereas the nurses on a post conventional level prioritize ethical principles and patient rights.
Criticism on Kohlberg’s theory of moral development
The Kohlberg theory does face some criticism such as
- Cultural bias
- Gender bias
- Limited focus or moral behaviors
Conclusion
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development focuses on how individuals progress through various stages of moral reasoning as they grow. It consists of three levels which are preconventional level, conventional level and post conventional level.in pre conventional level the decisions made are based on avoiding punishment or seeking personal benefits. In conventional level the decisions made are based on meeting expectations and maintain law and order in society. The pat conventional level is marked by understanding that laws should serve greater ethical principles.
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