KOHLBERG STAGES OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT
Level And Stage
LEVEL 1: PRE CONVENTIONAL
(Birth to 9 years)
Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience
Orientation
Stage 2: Instrumental-Relativist Orientation
LEVEL 2: CONVENTIONAL
(9 to 13 years)
Stage 3: Interpersonal Concordance
Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation
LEVEL 3: POST—CONVENTIONAL
(13+ years)
Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation
Stage 6: Universal Ethical Orientation
Description
AUTHORITY FIGURES ARE OBEYED
Misbehavior is viewed in terms of damage done.
A deed is defined as that which is acceptable to
and approved by the self.
“Right” is defined as that which is acceptable to
and approved by the self.
CORDIAL INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP ARE
MAINTAINED
Approval of others is sought through one’s
actions.
Authority is respected.
Individual feels “duty-bound” to maintain social
order.
Behavior is right when it conforms to the rules.
INDIVIVDUAL UNDERSTAND THE MORALITY OF
HAVING DEMOCRATICALLY ESTABLISHED LAWS.
It is “wrong” to violate others’ right.
The person understands the principle of human
rights and personal conscience. The person
believe that trust is a basis of relationship.