In both Stages 3 and 4, the individual has developed to the point that moral decisions are made based on an accepted understanding of the norms and conventions of society (Nucci, 2002). Stage 3 is called Good Interpersonal Relationships and children, now entering their teenage years, begin to believe that individuals should live up to the expectations made by family and society to behave in appropriate and moral ways. The greater concern at this stage is on good motives and social responsibility, such as stealing to save someone's life. In Stage 4, Maintaining the Social Order, Kohlberg first moves fully beyond Piaget and his relativistic moral development. Whereas Stage 3 focuses on moral relationships between individuals who have the ability to closely understand each other's motives, such as in a family situation. In Stage 4, the individual begins to reasoned moral decisions based on the whole of society. The individual argues that moral decisions must be made based on the effect that they will have on the larger social fabric and the preservation of an ordered society (Crain, 1985). In Kohlberg's final level, we are given a glimpse of postconventional morality, which consists of Stages 5 and 6 -- Social Contract and Individual Rights & Universal Principles, respectively. In Stage 4 we see, according to Kohlberg, that individuals base morality on actions that will keep society running most smoothly. Unfortunately, though, a smooth running society isn't necessarily a moral one. In Kohlberg's Stage 5, individuals begin to question what makes for a good society, and consider the moral values that a society should have, even if it does not actually possess those values. Individuals make an effort to determine what values a society should have, regardless of the laws they might have upheld more firmly in Stage 4. Nonetheless, Stage 5 does consist of a moral contract between individual and society and the interests of social order are still considered (Crain, 1985). In Stage 6, by contrast, is only a rational endpoint that has been extended from Stage 5. There is substantial empirical support for individuals attaining Stage 5 level of moral reasoning, but nothing substantial for Stage 6. Stage 6 moral reasoning...
Rather, it is a function of the natural development of the human mind and individual thought processes. As individuals grow older and more sophisticated, they continually find their beliefs and perceptions of the world challenged by new experiences, forcing the development of more sophisticated moral reasoning (Crain, 1985). Kohlberg extended the work of Piaget to show how advances in moral reasoning occur during the developmental process.
Moral Development/Kohlberg Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development: Therapeutic Implications Kohlberg continues to be a significant figure and influence on the field of psychology. He is well-known for his theory of moral development which details different stages of morality throughout one's life. Although the theory has faced criticisms, particularly due to a questionable generalization to all cultures, it continues to be a basis of knowledge and usefulness in practice. In regards to
Among other choices, those related to eating, drinking alcohol, sexuality, and peer group selection are some of the most important. In some respects, those decisions have a lot to do with the way that adolescent brains perceive, process, and react to external circumstances and experiences. The development of eating disorders is one example (Leon, Fulkerson, Perry, & Cudeck, 1993). Specifically, there is empirical cross-sectional data illustrating that specific teenage
Moral Development & Gender Bias The influence of moral development on the perpetuation of gender bias among males and females in the school setting In analyzing the moral development that humans undergo from childhood to adulthood, it is important to look into the models and theories in psychology that served as the foundation of this field. Moral development among humans can be categorized into different stages, in the same way that human
The teacher who is cognizant of Kohlberg's theory and observant of student behavior might take the opportunity to help direct children who are beginning to make that transition to think about morality in ways that help them narrow their focus to understand basic concepts about why certain types of behavior may be moral or immoral. Without guidance, children may merely shift from the concern over doing what adults say
MORAL DEVELOPMENT & GENDER CARE | Moral Development and Gender Care Theories Moral Development Moral development in humans occurs naturally together with physical, social and mental development. Individually as well as in social settings, mankind evolves a developed moral character and conscience in spite of numerous social and psychological barriers, which temporarily retard or disturb the process. In axiology, concepts of moral development give rise to feelings of being an active and developing
Kohlberg When it comes to socialization, circles of friends, peer groups and so forth, it is clear that there is what is considered healthy and what is considered less than optimal. Beyond there, there will always tend to be subgroups and subcultures that emerge from within and from under a more dominant culture. This brief report shall describe the importance of peer groups, how subcultures can emerge and the significance of
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