INTRODUCTION TO 1

MORAL
DEVELOPMENT
INTRODUCTION TO MORAL DEVELOPMENT EXPLORES THE PSYCHOLOGICAL
PROCESSES THAT SHAPE INDIVIDUALS’ MORAL REASONING AND BEHAVIOUR.
THIS FIELD OF STUDY INVESTIGATES HOW INDIVIDUALS DEVELOP THEIR SENSE
OF RIGHT AND WRONG, AND HOW THEY MAKE ETHICAL DECISIONS IN VARIOUS
SITUATIONS.
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Theories of Moral Development

Kohlberg’s Theory
 This theory is a stage theory. In other words, everyone goes through the stages
sequentially without skipping any stage.

 However, Movement through these stage are not natural, that is people do not
automatically move from one stage to the next as they mature. In stage
development, movement occurs when a person notices inadequacies in his or her
present way of coping with a given moral dilemma.

 According to stage theory, people cannot understand moral reasoning more than one
stage ahead of their own. For example, a person in Stage 1 can understand Stage 2
reasoning but nothing beyond that.
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Pre-Conventional Moral Development

Kohlberg’s Six • STAGE 1

Stages • STAGE 2

Conventional Moral development

• STAGE 3
• STAGE 4

Post-Conventional Moral Development

• STAGE 5
• STAGE 6
Level 1: Preconventional Morality 0-9 years 4

Stage 1-Obedience and Punishment

Especially common in young children, but adults are capable of expressing this type of reasoning. At
this stage, children see rules as fixed and absolute.

Obeys rules in order to avoid punishment

• Determines a sense of right and wrong by what is punished and what is not
punished.
• Obeys superior authority and allows that authority to make the rules, especially if
that authority has the power to inflict pain
• Is responsive to rules that will affect his/her physical well-being

Stage 2-Naively egotistical

At this stage of moral development, children account for individual points of view and judge actions
based on how they serve individual needs. Reciprocity is possible, but only if it serves one’s own
interests.

• Is motivated by vengeance or “an eye for an eye”

• philosophy Is self absorbed while assuming that he/she is generous
• Believes in equal sharing in that everyone gets the same, regardless of need
• Believes that the end justifies the means
• Will do a favor only to get a favor
Level 2: Conventional Morality 10-15 years 5

Stage 3-“good boy-good girl” orientation

This stage of moral development is focused on living up to social expectations and roles. There is
an emphasis on conformity, being “nice,” and consideration of how choices influence relationships.

Finds peer approval very important

Feels that intensions are as important as deeds and expects others to accept intentions
or promises in place of deeds
• Begins to put himself/herself in another’s shoes and think from another
perspective

Stage 4-Law and Social Order

At this stage of moral development, people begin to consider society as a whole when making
judgments. The focus is on maintaining law and order by following the rules, doing one’s duty, and
respecting authority.

• Is a duty doer who believes in rigid rules that should not be changed
• Respects authority and obeys it without question
• Supports the rights of the majority without concern for those in the minority Is
part of about 80% of the population that does not progress past stage 4
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Level 3: Postconventional Morality – 16+

Stage 5-Legalistic Social Contract

At this stage, people begin to account for the differing values, opinions, and beliefs of other people.
Rules of law are important for maintaining a society, but members of the society should agree upon
these standards.

• Is motivated by the belief in the greatest amount of good for the greatest number
of people
• Believes in consensus (everyone agrees), rather than in majority rule
• Respects the nights of the minority especially the nights of the individual Believes
that change in the law is possible but only through the system

Stage 6-Universal ethical Principles

Kohlberg's final level of moral reasoning is based upon universal ethical principles and abstract
reasoning. At this stage, people follow these internalized principles of justice, even if they conflict
with laws and rules.

• Believes that there are high moral principles than those represented by social rules
and customs
• Is willing to accept the consequences for disobedience of the social rule he/she has
rejected
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Factors Influencing Moral
Development

Cognitive Personal
Developmen Experiences and
Social Interactions t Life Events
and Peer Influence •Cognitive development is
•Personal experiences and life events can also
•Social interactions and peer influence can shape another important factor influence moral development by providing
individuals’ moral development by providing that influences moral opportunities for moral reflection and growth.
opportunities for moral learning and reasoning and decision- Traumatic experiences or challenging
reinforcement. Peer pressure and social norms situations can lead individuals to reevaluate
can either support or challenge an individual’s making. As individuals grow
their moral beliefs and values. Positive
moral beliefs and values. The social environment, and mature, their cognitive experiences, such as acts of kindness and
including schools and communities, can also play abilities develop, allowing compassion, can also contribute to the
a role in promoting moral development through
them to understand and development of moral character .
education and socialization .
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Moral Development in Childhood

Role of
Stages of moral
Parental education
reasoning
influence •Educational settings also play a significant role in
fostering moral development in children, as they
•During early childhood, children
provide opportunities for children to learn and
typically exhibit a preconventional level •Parental modeling, reinforcement,
practice moral values such as honesty, respect, and
and discipline play a crucial role in
of moral reasoning, where their shaping children’s moral
fairness. Teachers can facilitate moral development
by creating a supportive and inclusive classroom
decisions are based on avoiding development. Children observe and environment that encourages empathy, cooperation,
punishment or seeking rewards. As internalize the moral behaviours of and ethical decision-making.
children grow older, they begin to their parents, and are more likely to
exhibit similar behaviours in their
develop a more conventional level of own interactions with others.
moral reasoning, where they adhere to
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Moral Development in
Adolescence
Internalization
Moral Peer of moral
exploration influence principles
•Adolescents also start to question •Peer influence plays a •As adolescents navigate the
and challenge the moral beliefs and significant role in shaping complexities of moral decision-
values they have been taught by their adolescents’ moral making, they begin to internalize
parents and society. This process of development, as they seek moral principles and develop a
moral exploration helps them to form approval and acceptance more consistent and mature moral
their own moral identity and develop a from their peers. This can compass. This process is crucial for
sense of autonomy. sometimes lead to moral their social and emotional
dilemmas and conflicts development as they transition into
between their own values adulthood.
and the values of their
peers.
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Applying Moral Development Theories in

Practice

Theory application Ethical decision-making

 Applying moral development  Furthermore, incorporating moral
theories in practice involves development theories into practice can
understanding how individuals help professionals navigate complex
develop their moral reasoning and ethical dilemmas and promote a more
ethical decision-making skills over just and compassionate society. By
time. By using theories such as considering the various stages of
Kohlberg’s stages of moral moral development and the factors
development or Gilligan’s ethic of that influence ethical decision-making,
care, professionals can tailor practitioners can better support
interventions and strategies to individuals in making moral choices
promote ethical behavior and moral that align with their values and beliefs.
growth in individuals.
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Role Modeling
How we can • Another way to promote positive moral
development is through positive role
promote positive modeling. When individuals in positions of
influence demonstrate ethical behaviour, it
moral development sets a positive example for others to follow .

in society? Community Involvement

• Encouraging community involvement and
volunteerism can also help foster positive
moral development. By engaging in acts of
kindness and service to others, individuals
can develop empathy and compassion .

Communication Importance
• Lastly, promoting open and honest
communication about moral issues can help
raise awareness and encourage critical
thinking about ethical dilemmas. By engaging
in thoughtful discussions, individuals can
develop a deeper understanding of moral
complexities and make more informed
Thank You
By- RHYTHM NAYAK