Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

The earliest stages of moral development, obedience and punishment are especially common in young children, but adults are also capable of expressing this type of reasoning.

• LEVEL 1. Preconventional morality

• STAGE 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

• STAGE 2. Individualism and Exchange

A social structure that emphasizes relational duties as well as societal order is viewed as desirable, and as a result, it must impact our perceptions of what is good and wrong

• LEVEL 2. Conventional morality

• STAGE 4. Maintaining the Social Order

• STAGE 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

As the child/individual grows aware of society's larger rules, judgments are made about following the rules in order to uphold the law and avoid guilt.

• STAGE 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation

• STAGE 6. Universal Principles

• STAGE 4. Maintaining the Social Order

People at this stage have developed their own set of moral guidelines which may or may not fit the law.

• STAGE 6. Universal Principles

• STAGE 4. Maintaining the Social Order

• LEVEL 2. Conventional morality

This level lasts until 9 years of age and children who are in preconventional morality usually recognize and believe the rules of authority figures such as parents and teachers.

• LEVEL 2. Conventional morality

• LEVEL 1. Preconventional morality

• STAGE 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation