Pre-Conventional StageIn Kohlberg's Pre-Conventional stage, individuals demonstrate concern for their own self-interest, as well as external rewards and punishments. This somewhat rudimentary concept of morality can be commonly seen manifested in young children, where obedience is being reinforced as a virtue by parents and where a desire to benefit (or at least not suffer) by an action is a primary motivation.
At this level, a person does not (yet) regard societal conventions about what is morally acceptable or unacceptable. With this narrow view of the world, little genuine concern for others is shown in regards to the morality of one's choices. |
Stage 1: Obedience/Punishment |
This stage sees a focus on the consequences of actions, rather than intentions. As such, the goal here is to avoid punishment via obedience. Good behavior is simply a consequence of this intrinsic deference to authority. An individual may refrain from taking a certain action not because he deems it wrong according to his own morals, but simply because the action may result in punishment.
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This stage exemplifies the notion of "quid pro quo". Moral justifications here are made based on whatever the individual decides to be in his own best interest. Here again, actions are not taken based on their inherent moral value; something is "good" if it benefits oneself, the converse also being true (something is bad if it is detrimental to oneself. One key difference from the previous stage is that a concern for others (though superficial) does begin to emerge, insofar as this concern provides a benefit to oneself.
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Stage 2: Self-Interest |
References
Photos:
http://todaysparent.com
http://charitylawyerblog.com/
http://psychologytoday.com
Photos:
http://todaysparent.com
http://charitylawyerblog.com/
http://psychologytoday.com