Which of the following factors did Kohlberg focus on in his theory of ...
Moral Development
Lawrence Kohlberg's development theorist of the mid-twentieth century who is best known for his specific and detailed theory of children’s moral development. With the development of cognition and social skills, the children able to develop the dimensions of moral values and reasoning. Moral values help the children to understand the rule and laws of society where they live. They adjust themselves as per the need of the physical environment.
Kohlberg studied moral reasoning & development with much of his work based on that of Jean Piaget and John Dewey. He created the three-stage moral development theory by posing moral dilemmas to groups of children as well as adolescents and adults. Kohlberg's dilemmas revolve around a person named Heinz. He is in a dilemma to choose between stealing medicine or letting his wife die.
Preconventional Level (up to 10 yr. old)
Stage-1 Punishment-obedience orientation
- In this stage, the child avoids punishment and knows about the consequence of getting punished.
- The child only obeys the rule if some big authority (parents and teachers) is around them and tell them to do so
Stage-2 Instrumental-exchange orientation
- Children obeying the rules should bring some sort of benefit of return.
- In this stage, the child shows reciprocal behaviour. They will do things if they get some benefit from doing so.
- Conventional level (Adolescents and teenagers): The right action is one that would be carried but by someone whose behaviour is likely to impress others.
Stage-3 Good-boy-nice-girl orientation
- Children do the right things to remain in the good books of their parents and teacher.
- In this stage, children are concerned about being accepted by others and living up to their expectations.
Stage-4 System-maintaining orientation
- At this stage, adolescents and teenagers obey the rules and laws of the society in which they live.
- Children and teenagers feel compelled to do their duty and show respect for authority.
- Post conventional Level (Adulthood)
Stage-5 Social-contract situation
- In this stage, the social rules and laws get in conflict with moral principles.
They agree to obey laws and social rules of conduct that promote respect and acknowledges their moral values.
Stage-6 Universal-ethical-principles orientation
- They obey laws and social rules that fall in line with these universal principles.
Hence, we conclude that Kohlberg focuses on cognitive development in his theory of morality and elaborates the Piaget's work.