Stage 1: Realism to Relativism
Stage 1: Realism to Relativism
Piaget proposed that children ages 5-10 undergo this stage. During this time they shift from heteronomous morality to autonomous morality. Heteronomous morality is morality that is directed by others. Rules are imposed by authority figures and generally children reason that these rules should be followed because of the consequences that occur when someone breaks the rules. When shifting from heteronomous to autonomous, children start to view situations from other people's perspectives. This occurs toward the end of this stage around ages 10 or 11. Rules start to become negotiable due to the complexity of intention.
Heteronomous Morality
Also known as moral realism, heteronomous morality refers to morality that is formed from the outside. At this stage, children perceive rules as something that are absolute and cannot be changed. These rules are imposed by authority figures, such as parents or teachers. They also recognize that violation of these rules results in serious punishment or immanent justice. Intentions are not considered during this stage.
Autonomous Morality
Also known as moral relativism, autonomous morality introduces the concept of intention into this stage. Children will become aware of the idea that rules apply differently to everyone, and that the motive of a behavior is also to be considered. This happens more commonly in stage two, but it is important to know the difference and how an individual transitions between these two concepts when developing morally.