PRECONVENTIONAL MORALITY
Ages: Pre-school to elementary school.
Stage 1--Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Children make decisions based on what is best for themselves, without regard to others' needs or feelings. They will try to obey rules set down by strong individuals in order to avoid punishment. "Wrong" behaviors get punished. In the Heinz dilemma, stealing is considered a "wrong" action by adults. To avoid punishment, the children will chose not to steal the drug.
Stage 2--Exchange of Favors
Children recognize that other people also have needs, and may try to satisfy others' needs if their own are already met (you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours). They understand that different individuals have different viewpoints that might not match with authority figures. Right and wrong is still defined in terms of consequences to themselves.
Stage 1--Obedience and Punishment Orientation
Children make decisions based on what is best for themselves, without regard to others' needs or feelings. They will try to obey rules set down by strong individuals in order to avoid punishment. "Wrong" behaviors get punished. In the Heinz dilemma, stealing is considered a "wrong" action by adults. To avoid punishment, the children will chose not to steal the drug.
Stage 2--Exchange of Favors
Children recognize that other people also have needs, and may try to satisfy others' needs if their own are already met (you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours). They understand that different individuals have different viewpoints that might not match with authority figures. Right and wrong is still defined in terms of consequences to themselves.