Moral Development, Piaget’s Theory, Kohlberg’s Theory

Moral development refers to the process through which individuals learn to distinguish right from wrong and develop ethical values, judgments, and behaviour. It evolves gradually with age, experience, social interaction, and cognitive growth. For UPSC GS-IV, moral development is crucial to understand ethical decision-making, integrity, values in governance, and public service behaviour.

Psychologists such as Jean Piaget, Lawrence Kohlberg, and Carol Gilligan have explained moral development through stage-based theories, highlighting how moral reasoning changes from childhood to adulthood.

Piaget’s Theory of Moral Development

Jean Piaget studied moral development in children using the clinical interview method. He believed that moral reasoning develops in stages alongside cognitive development. According to Piaget, children move from externally imposed morality to internalized moral reasoning.

Stages of Piaget’s Moral Development:

1. Anomy (Below 5 years – Without Law)

• Behaviour is non-moral or amoral.
• Actions are guided by pain and pleasure, not by rules.
• This stage reflects Rousseau’s idea of natural consequences.

2. Heteronomy – Discipline of Authority (5–8 years)

• Moral rules are imposed by external authority such as parents or teachers.
• Children obey rules to avoid punishment or gain rewards.
• Rules are seen as fixed and unchangeable.

3. Heteronomy – Reciprocity (9–13 years)

• Morality is based on cooperation and mutual respect among peers.
• The idea of reciprocity develops: “Do not do to others what you would not like done to you.”
• Group conformity becomes important.

4. Autonomy – Adolescence (13–18 years)

• Individuals understand that rules are flexible and based on fairness.
• Moral decisions are guided by intentions and equity, not blind obedience.
• The person becomes fully responsible for moral choices.

Kohlberg’s Theory Of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg expanded Piaget’s ideas and argued that moral development occurs through age and experience. He proposed three levels, each with two stages, focusing on how people reason about moral dilemmas.

Levels and Stages of Kohlberg’s Theory:

1. Pre-Conventional Level

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation

• Actions are judged by their physical consequences.
• Avoiding punishment and obeying authority are primary concerns.

Stage 2: Instrumental Relativist Orientation

• Moral actions serve self-interest and personal needs.
• Reciprocity exists, but it is practical, not ethical.

2. Conventional Level

Stage 3: Interpersonal Concordance Orientation

• Behaviour aims to gain social approval and be seen as a “good person.”
• Moral actions are influenced by relationships and emotions.

Stage 4: Law and Order Orientation

• Emphasis on rules, laws, and authority.
• Maintaining social order becomes morally important.

3. Post-Conventional Level

Stage 5: Social Contract Orientation

• Laws are viewed as social agreements meant for public welfare.
• Rules can be changed if they conflict with human rights.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles Orientation

• Moral reasoning is guided by universal values such as justice, equality, and human dignity.
• Conscience becomes the ultimate guide.

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Carol Gilligan’s Theory of Moral Development

Carol Gilligan criticized Kohlberg’s theory in her work “In a Different Voice”, arguing that it was gender-biased as it was based mainly on male subjects. She proposed that women’s moral reasoning emphasizes care, relationships, and responsibility, rather than rules and rights.

Stages of Gilligan’s Moral Development:

1. Pre-Conventional Stage (Self-Interest)

• Focus is on self-survival and personal needs.
• Moral thinking appears selfish but is developmentally natural.

2. Conventional Stage (Care for Others)

• Individuals prioritize caring for others, often neglecting self-needs.
• Commonly reflected in social roles such as mother or caregiver.

3. Post-Conventional Stage (Ethics of Care)

• Balance between care for self and care for others.
• Moral decisions are guided by responsibility and compassion.

Gilligan emphasized that moral development is context-dependent and relational, not purely rule-based.

Differences Between These Theories

The theories of Piaget, Kohlberg, and Carol Gilligan explain moral development from different perspectives, cognitive growth, justice-based reasoning, and care-based ethics. Together, they highlight how moral understanding evolves with age, experience, and social relationships.