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Preconventional Level
Level of punishments and praisments. -
Stage 1-Stage of Punishment and Obedience
Ages 0-3
Children assume that the superior have a strict set of fixed rules which must be obeyed. They need physical concequences to understand what is right or wrong.
For example, if a boy was to hit his friend, a child would think "He should'nt hit his friend because he could get in trouble and get a detention." -
Stage 2-Individual Instrumental Purpose and Exchange
Ages 3-6
Children seperate their interests and point of view from others. They do the right things that satisfy their needs.
For example, "He shouldn't steal the money from work because he might get caught and lose his job." -
Conventional Level
Level of reasoning, desire and acceptance of values. -
Stage 3-Stage of Mutual Interpersonal Expectations, relationships and conformity
Age 6-12
Children live up to the rules and expectations to gain approval and praise.
For example, "A child shouldn't throw tantrums in class because they might hurt and scare other classmates." -
Stage 4-Stage of Social System and Concscience Maintenance
Age 12-18
Young adults maintain their welfare and think of others' needs in their social group.
For example, Michael's parents were away for the weekend and he is only on his Learners permit. While his parents were away, he took the car and put the P plates on the windows and pretended he was on his P plates and drove alone. "He shouldn't have done that because if the police catch him, he could get fined and his parents will be in trouble too." -
Postconventional Level
Level of self-acceptance and living up to morals -
Stage 5-Stage of Prior Rights and Social-Contract and Utility
Age 18+
The stage of basic rights and following laws and rules. Adults look at the legal point of view and their own values.
For example, 19 year old John, drove whilst intoxicated and got caught by the police. "He shouldn't have done that because now he will lose his license and have a criminal record." -
Stage 6-Stage of Universal and ethical principles
Age 21+
Stage of rules around the world. The laws and rules guide adults to do the right thing.
For example, Heinz stole medication to cure his dying wife even when the druggist told him that the medication was too expensive for him to afford. "He shouldn't have done that because now he has to pay the concequences of going to jail. He knew the risks but would have done anything to save his wife's life."
