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Stages of Moral DevelopmentDescribes Kohlberg's "six levels of moral development" and its relevance for gifted

children

KOHLBERG'S APPROACH to levels of moral development is attractive,

particularly in the context of the gifted who are often accused of being immature

on the grounds that they do not always readily find a set of social peers.

The following information to the table of Kohlberg's stages comes from Guidingthe Gifted Childby Webb Meckstroth and Tolan.

"In addition, gifted children move rapidly through what have been called the

'Stages of Moral Development' [Kohlberg, 1964], summarised in Table 10. Thisrapid movement means that the gifted child is likely to be out of step with many

of the needs, preferences, even personality traits of his age peers. He is, therefore,

likely to question, challenge or defy traditions that his peers take for granted.

"Only about 10% of all people reach the last two stages of moral development. In

our experience, though, most gifted children do achieve these upper levels unless

their environment has prevented their growth. People in these upper levels are theleaders, creators and inventors who make major contributions to society and who

help reformulate knowledge and philosophy, often changing major traditions in

the process. While traditions form a continuum from the most insignificant matterof social custom to the principles formed into law, they may also go beyond law,

to sweeping principles of universal order. Those who have reached the highest

levels of moral development may go beyond the law as well, sometimes

sacrificing themselves and often changing the world's perception of the law, andfinally the law itself. Gifted children may set themselves on such a course early in

life."

Table 10 is reproduced below.

Stages of Moral Development (Adapted from Kohlberg, 1964)

Stage Issue of Moral Concern

Selfish

Obedience

I Rules followed to avoid punishment; obedience and concern for physicalconsequences.

IIDoing things for others because it will result in others doing things in return;concern for reward, equal sharing and benefit to self.

Conforming

to Traditions

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IIIWhatever pleases the majority is considered morally right; other viewpoints can

be seen, conformity is prized, desire to do things for others.

IV

Group authority, law, duty and rules of society prized; concern for maintaining

social order for its own sake; social disapproval avoided; emphasis on the

inherent 'rightness' of rules and duties.

Moral

Principles

Beyond

Conformity

V

Internal commitment to principles of personal conscience; concern with

individual rights within standards set by consensus; emphasis on fair procedures

for reaching consensus and for evaluating principles and rules.

VI

Concern with universal ethical principles and abstract morality affecting all

beings regardless of conventional views; emhasis on universality, consistency,and logical comprehensiveness.

To put Kohlberg's moral stages into perspective it is appropriate to mention two

criticisms. One is that it does not take into account emotions which may becritical motivators for our actions but concentrates on moral reasoning. People of

different temperaments may respond differently even if at the same moral stage.

Another criticism of Kohlberg's theory is that it is biased towards western

cultures. Some non-Western cultures do not value individualism and would not

see challenging society's rules as a "higher" stage of morality. Do we regard these

societies as at a lower moral stage?

Last updated: 15-feb-05

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