Conventional: The conventional level concerns comparative judgements regarding the morality of actions. “What are my society’s views and expectations regarding ethical behavior.” Conventional ethics means “following the crowd.” It requires adherence to rules and conventions without any higher-level reflection on their “rightness.” Stage three concerns good intentions as determined by social consensus. Individuals look to other people for guidance. They try to be a “good person” and find that being “nice” rather than “naughty” brings them important rewards. The “golden rule” operates because we get some of the gold when we follow the rules.
By contrast, in Stage four we find a broader reflection on the reasons why authority and social order are important and why we should be obedient to the rules of our society. The rule is golden because it represents some greater good—some ideal about the nature of a good and just society. Kohlberg proposes that most law-abiding citizens of contemporary societies tend to reside at this stage.
Post-conventional: This is the phase where Kohlberg becomes quite philosophical. There is a growing realization among some members of a society that their own perspective and values may take precedence over the collective perspectives and established values of their society. These “principled” members of a community are likely to be advocates for such basic human rights as life, liberty, and justice. On behalf of these rights, an advocate might engage in what John Lewis, the noted civil rights activist, has coined as “good trouble” (“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America”). Rules and regulations are respected—yet viewed as leverage points for both stability and change. They are not permanently “golden” or in some sense “God-given.” They can be questioned and altered.
Stage five is based on the notion of a “social contract.” Differing societal opinions, rights, and values must be respected; however, changes should be made on behalf of “the greatest good for the greatest number of people.” Governance is often a focal point, with democratic rule often being the desired operating principle for a society. Finally, at Stage six we find the often-elusive quest for universal ethical principles. Abstract reasoning prevails and explorations regarding the fundamental meaning of justice and equity are engaged. The absolutes of Immanuel Kant are “golden” Not many people (if any) are found at this “ultimate” level of moral reasoning. This stage might exist in Lawrence Kohlberg’s mind rather than in reality.
Along Comes Carol Gilligan
Kohlberg’s model of moral development has been criticized by many development researchers for failing to account for inconsistencies among many people in their moral judgements and for relying too much on rational processes. There is an even more condemning criticism. Many developmental theorists believe that Kohlberg is being naïve—and perhaps arrogant–in applying his model to cultures other than the American culture upon which he built his original model.
