Kohlberg’s theory of moral development suggests that our conscience evolves through a series of stages, each characterized by increasingly sophisticated moral reasoning. This development is influenced by cognitive growth and social experiences.
Stages of Moral Development
Preconventional Level: At this stage, moral reasoning is based on personal consequences and rewards. Individuals act to avoid punishment or gain personal benefits (Gibbs et al., 2007; Snarey, Reimer and Kohlberg, 1985).
Conventional Level: Here, individuals conform to societal norms and rules. Moral reasoning is centreed around maintaining social order and gaining approval from others (Gibbs et al., 2007; Snarey, Reimer and Kohlberg, 1985).
Postconventional Level: This stage involves abstract reasoning and the recognition of universal ethical principles. Individuals make moral decisions based on justice, rights, and personal conscience, often questioning societal norms (Philibert, 1979; Gibbs et al., 2007; Snarey, Reimer and Kohlberg, 1985).
Cultural and Contextual Influences
Kohlberg’s stages have been found to be generally applicable across cultures, though the highest stages may vary in expression due to cultural differences (Gibbs et al., 2007; Snarey, Reimer and Kohlberg, 1985).
Studies, such as those on Israeli kibbutz adolescents, show that while the stages are consistent, cultural contexts can influence the specific moral principles emphasized, such as communal values (Snarey, Reimer and Kohlberg, 1985).
Conscience and Moral Development
Conscience is seen as a complex construct involving empathy, guilt, and moral reasoning, which collectively predict lower levels of delinquency over time (Walters, 2022).
The development of conscience is also linked to social participation and responsibility, with higher moral stages associated with greater attribution of responsibility and active conscience (Helkama and Ikonen, 1986).
Gender and Moral Development
Research indicates some gender differences in moral reasoning, with females often showing greater guilt over moral transgressions and a stronger orientation towards responsibility (Helkama and Ikonen, 1986).
Conclusion
Kohlberg’s theory provides a framework for understanding how conscience develops through distinct stages of moral reasoning, influenced by cognitive and social factors. While generally applicable across cultures, the expression of these stages can vary, highlighting the role of cultural and contextual factors in moral development.
References
Philibert, P., 1979. Conscience: Developmental Perspectives from Rogers and Kohlberg. Horizons, 6, pp. 1 – 25. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0360966900015656
Gibbs, J., Basinger, K., Grime, R., & Snarey, J., 2007. Moral Judgment Development across Cultures: Revisiting Kohlberg’s Universality Claims.. Developmental Review, 27, pp. 443-500. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.DR.2007.04.001
Snarey, J., Reimer, J., & Kohlberg, L., 1985. Development of social-moral reasoning among Kibbutz adolescents: A longitudinal cross-cultural study.. Developmental Psychology, 21, pp. 3-17. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.21.1.3
Walters, G., 2022. Conscience and delinquency: A developmentally informed meta-analysis. Developmental Review. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2022.101026
Helkama, K., & Ikonen, M., 1986. Some Correlates of Maturity of Moral Reasoning in Finland. Cross-Cultural Research, 20, pp. 110 – 131. https://doi.org/10.1177/106939718602000105
