Theories Of Moral Development

Introduction What makes children develop morals? Do the environments children are surrounded by determine are a moral compass or is it a trait that we as humans are naturally born with? Moral development is defined as a process through which children develop proper attitudes and behaviors toward others in society. These behaviors can be built on social norms, cultural norms, rules, and laws (health of children). Kohlberg’s is a well know psychologist who took Jean Piaget’s theories and expands on them. Kohlberg went a step further and wanted to know how moral development happens in children. Through Kohlberg 's studies society has continued to question these theories and how morals develop in children. With advances in science and the ability …show more content…
The first level is the Pre-conventional morality. This level is based on obedience and punishment. Children do not want to be punished therefore they avoid getting in trouble. There is not a clear understanding of the different point of views others may have about rules or why some rules may exist during this stage of development. Children just are obedient! However, the adults in the child’s life can contribute to the standards or what rules the child follows. The second level is Conventional Morality; the child wants to be known for being good, honest, and fair. The child is looking for approval of those around them such as parents, teachers, and other adults/role models. In this stage, the child also learns that there are rules in society that they must follow. Level three is Postconventional Morality. Children discover that their individual decisions’ are built on their values, reasons, and individual rights. This is where we as a person understand that there are rules but determine if those rules work for or against us (McLeod, …show more content…
According to CBS News Born good? Babies help unlock the origins of morality there is a sense of moral development that all of us are born with. Researchers from Yale baby lab took puppets and did little skits of good and bad behaviors with the puppets and the results were fascinating. These babies were as young as five months old and while these babies could not speak they could reach for the puppet they favored when given a choice by the scientist. The babies had a choice between a puppet who was mean and did not help versus the puppet who was nice and did help. The research revealed that almost all the babies wanted the puppet who was nice and did help over the puppet who was mean. This research proves that there is a chance that we as humans are born with a moral compass. However, there are other factors that can influence the moral choices we make as we grow and change into an