Kohlberg’s 6 Stages of Moral Development Level 1 - Pre-conventional morality (Ages 9 and below) At the pre-conventional level, moral code is shaped by the standards of adults and the consequences of following or breaking their rules. People behave according to socially acceptable norms because they are told to do so by some authority figure. The pre-conventional level is common in elementary children, although adults can also exhibit this level of reasoning. We judge the morality of an action by its direct consequences. The pre-conventional level is concerned with the self in an egocentric manner. Stage 1. Obedience and Punishment Orientation. The child/individual is good in order to avoid being punished. If a person is punished they must have done wrong. Example: a) Business: The secretary was tasked by her strict boss to file the reports on a specific due date. Due to fear of losing her job, she immediately obeyed and finished the reports on time. b) Personal: As a student, I refrain from loitering in the hallway during class hours to avoid the consequences involved in breaking the school's rule. Stage 2. Individualism and Exchange/ Personal Reward Orientation/ Self Interest Driven. At this stage people recognize that there is not just one right view that is …show more content…
According to Kohlberg this level of moral reasoning is as far as most people get. Only 10-15% are capable of the kind of abstract thinking necessary for stage 5 or 6 (post-conventional morality). That is to say most people take their moral views from those around them and only a minority think through ethical principles for themselves. This level is marked by a growing realization that individuals are separate entities from society, and that the individual’s own perspective may take precedence over society’s views and that individuals may disobey rules inconsistent with their own