Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development

Kohlberg's 1973 Stages of Moral Development is a theory of moral development that posits there are three levels of morality: Preconventional Morality, Conventional Morality, and Postconventional Morality with each level having two stages.  Preconventional, or Self-Focused, Morality is present in children up to age nine and is defined by obeying rules and avoiding negative consequences.  Conventional, or Other-Focused, Morality is present in children age 9 to adolescence and is characterized by children trying to achieve what is expected by their parents and fulfilling obligations.  Postconventional, or Higher-Focused, Morality is present in adults and is characterized by the understanding of peoples' differing moral opinions and that rules and laws vary from group to group--morality is seen as upholding values of one's own group and culture.

Apply: I think that Kohlberg's theory can be applied to community development practice in situations where multi-generational individuals are working together.  For example, if community members age 10-80 are working together on a community development project, it would be beneficial for participants to be aware that a 10-year-old may not understand that someone being violently arrested for passing a stop sign is viewed as immoral by the adults at the table because they are at a different stage of moral development.

Adapt: Kohlberg's theory can also be useful in a school setting for teachers or school administrators to understand that children at different ages may view what is right or wrong differently.  For example, a 5-year-old may tattle on a fellow student for forgetting her snowshoes at home, thereby getting that student a warning by a teacher.  A 14-year-old might try to help the other student find a way to find other shoes to help the student avoid getting in trouble. The 5-year-old's understanding of the right thing to do is tell the teacher on the other student, whereas the 14-year-old might have parents who taught them to help other students rather than getting them in trouble.

Resource: Heffner, C. (n.d.). Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development. AllPsych. http://allpsych.com/psychology101/moral_development/#.Vja-2rerTIU.