Kohlberg’s

Stages of Moral
Development
 Level Stage Description
Preconventional 1 Punishment/ Obedience.
Level One is motivated by fear of
(Toddler-9 yrs.) punishment. He will act in order to
avoid punishment.
Moral reasoning is
based on the
consequence/result of 2 Mutual Benefit.
the act, not on One is motivated to act by the
whether the act itself benefit that one may obtain later.
is bad or good. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch
yours.
 Level Stage Description
Conventional Level 3 Social Approval.
(9-20yrs) Good boy/Good girl.
Moral reasoning is The person acts because he values
based on the how he will appear to others.
conventions or
“norms” of the
society. This may 4 Law and Order.
include approval of One is motivated to act in order to
others, law and order. uphold law and order. The person
will follow the law because it is
the law.
 Level Stage Description
Post-conventional 5 Social Contract.
Level Laws that are wrong can be changed.
(20 above) One will act based on social justice
and the common good.
Moral reasoning is
based on enduring or
consistent principles. 6 Universal Principles.
-Conscience
Having a set of standard that drives one
to possess moral responsibility to make
societal changes regardless of
consequences of oneself.
Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development
1. Punishment/Obedience
2. Mutual Benefit
3. Social Approval
4. Law and Order
5. Social Contract
6. Universal Principles