Theories of morality chart

1. Moral Development in
Children:

2. Theories of Morality:
Piaget’s Theory of Morality
Children go through two distinct stages of
morality:
● Heteronomous morality (Ages 4-7 yrs):
believe justice and rules are unchanging
properties of the world, people don’t have
control of these
○ rightness is based on consequences
vs. intensions of the actor
○ Immanent justice - if a rule is broken
punishment meted out immediately
● Moral Transition (Ages 7-10 yrs):
transitioning between heteronomous and
autonomous
● Autonomous morality (Ages 10 yrs +):
become aware that rules and laws are
created by people so you consider the
actor’s intentions
○ Rules are convenient conventions and
subject to change
Kohlberg’s Theory of Morality
Preconventional Reasoning:
Lowest level of moral
reasoning
Stage 1: Heteronomous
morality - Moral thinking is
based on external reward
and punishment. Occur
before age 9
Stage 2: Individualism,
instrumental purpose and
exchange - Pursuing own
interest is the right thing to
do. Adolescent age.
Conventional Reasoning:
Intermediate level of
moral reasoning
Stage 3: Mutual
interpersonal
expectations,
relationships and
interpersonal conformity
- Standards applied are
standards set by others.
Want to be considered
“good boy/girl” by
parents. Adolescent age.
Stage 4: Social systems
morality - Moral
judgment is based on
understanding social
order, law and justice.
Adolescent age.
Postconventional
Reasoning: Highest
level of moral reasoning
Stage 5: Social contract
or utility and individual
rights - Value, rights
and principles
transcend the law. Age
20 - 22.
Stage 6: Universal
Ethical Principles -
Moral standard is now
based on universal
human rights. A person
will choose conscience
knowing risk is
involved.
Children go through six distinct stages
of morality:

3. Recommendations:
Recommendations for Parents
Teach respect through your parenting style.
Parents must offer warm, nurturing, and
empathetic relationships with their children. This
can be done by looking for ways to model patience,
integrity, and honesty in everything that we do.
We must behave in a moral manner in front of our
children. This can be done by:
● Hugging your child/ren.
● Listening to them when they talk
● Avoid getting angry
● Always tell the truth in front of your child
● Being nice to people we come across
everyday.
Recommendations for Schools
Children’s moral education is developed at their
school when they are away from their parents. This
type of education is established by the moral
atmosphere of the “hidden curriculum” that is
present in every school and classroom by teachers
and school administrators.
Teachers must be good role models of ethical
behavior in their classrooms. Some examples of
ethical and unethical issues related to classroom
rules and peer relations are:
● Cheating
● Lying
● Stealing
● Consideration for others