Understanding Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development:

Haobam Pravinsen
Jun 26
4 min read

Understanding Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development: Stages, Examples & Related Theories

Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development is a foundational concept in developmental psychology that explores how individuals evolve morally over time. This theory not only explains how moral reasoning matures but also sheds light on human behavior in social, legal, and ethical contexts. In this article, we will explore the stages of Kohlberg's theory, real-life examples, related psychological theories, and useful resources for further reading.

Who Was Lawrence Kohlberg?

Lawrence Kohlberg was an American psychologist best known for his extensive work in moral psychology. A student of Jean Piaget, Kohlberg expanded upon Piaget’s ideas of cognitive development and introduced a six-stage theory of moral development. His work laid the groundwork for how psychologists and educators understand moral reasoning.

What Is Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development?

Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory suggests that moral reasoning develops in three levels, each comprising two stages, making a total of six stages. These stages are sequential and universal, meaning everyone progresses through them in the same order, though not everyone reaches the highest level.

The Three Levels and Six Stages of Moral Development

1. Pre-Conventional Level (Typically observed in children)

Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment OrientationBehavior is driven by avoiding punishment. Right and wrong are determined by what is punished.
Stage 2: Individualism and ExchangeIndividuals act based on self-interest and rewards. Morality is seen as a mutual exchange.

Example: A child doesn’t steal a toy because they’re afraid of being punished.

2. Conventional Level (Common in adolescents and some adults)

Stage 3: Good Interpersonal RelationshipsBehavior is guided by social approval. Being "good" means pleasing others.
Stage 4: Maintaining Social OrderLaw and order are paramount. Right behavior means obeying rules and fulfilling duties to maintain social order.

Example: A teenager tells the truth because they want to be seen as honest and trustworthy.

3. Post-Conventional Level (Achieved by some adults)

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual RightsLaws are recognized as social contracts. People begin to question unjust laws and promote human rights.
Stage 6: Universal PrinciplesMorality is based on abstract reasoning using universal ethical principles. Even laws may be disobeyed if they violate these principles.

Example: Martin Luther King Jr.’s civil disobedience against segregation laws reflects Stage 6 reasoning.

Key Features of Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory

Sequential progression: One must progress through the stages in order; stages are not skipped.
Cognitive development-dependent: Higher stages require advanced abstract thinking.
Cultural universality: While moral content may vary, the stages themselves are considered universal.
Focus on reasoning: It’s not what choice a person makes but why they make it that matters.

Criticisms of Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development

Gender Bias: Carol Gilligan, a student of Kohlberg, argued that the theory is male-centric and overlooks the morality of care, often expressed more by women.
Cultural Limitations: Some critics claim it emphasizes Western, individualistic views of morality and may not apply equally across all cultures.
Overemphasis on Justice: It focuses heavily on justice and ignores other moral dimensions like compassion, loyalty, or care.

Comparison with Related Theories

1. Jean Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development

Aspect	Piaget	Kohlberg
Focus	Morality in children	Morality throughout life stages
Stages	Two stages (Heteronomous & Autonomous)	Six stages across three levels
Method	Observation and interviews	Moral dilemmas and reasoning analysis
Contribution	Foundation of moral development theory	Expanded theory with detailed moral reasoning

Summary: Kohlberg extended Piaget’s two-stage model into a more detailed six-stage framework, integrating adult moral reasoning.

2. Carol Gilligan’s Ethics of Care Theory

Gilligan proposed that women are more likely to reason based on relationships and care rather than abstract justice. While Kohlberg focused on justice-based morality, Gilligan emphasized relationship-based morality.

Feature	Kohlberg	Gilligan
Core value	Justice	Care
Approach	Logical, abstract reasoning	Relational, emotional understanding
Critique	Seen as male-centered	Seen as more inclusive of female perspectives

Insight: Combining both theories may provide a more balanced understanding of human morality.

Practical Applications of Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory

Education: Helps teachers understand moral reasoning in children and tailor ethical discussions accordingly.
Law: Assists legal experts in assessing the moral reasoning of individuals in court cases.
Parenting: Guides parents on age-appropriate moral expectations for children.
Business Ethics: Used in leadership and corporate responsibility programs to encourage ethical decision-making.

Real-Life Scenarios Explained with Kohlberg’s Stages

Scenario 1: A student sees a classmate cheat on an exam.

Stage 1: “I won’t cheat because I’ll get punished.”
Stage 2: “I’ll cheat if I can gain something and not get caught.”
Stage 3: “I won’t cheat because others will think I’m dishonest.”
Stage 4: “I must follow school rules.”
Stage 5: “Cheating is unfair to others and undermines trust.”
Stage 6: “Cheating violates principles of honesty and integrity.”

Conclusion: Why Understanding Lawrence Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development Matters

Understanding Lawrence Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development helps us reflect on the reasons behind our moral decisions. Whether in education, law, psychology, or daily life, his theory gives us a lens to analyze moral growth and ethical maturity. By recognizing which stage we and others operate from, we can foster better communication, empathy, and moral progress.