Three Kohlberg levels

At the preconventional level of moral reasoning, morality is conceived of in terms of rewards, punishments and instrumental motivations. Those demonstrating intolerance of regulations in preference for self-serving motives are typical preconventionalists.

At the conventional level, morality is understood in terms of ompliance with either or both of peer pressure/social expectations or regulations, laws and guidelines. A high degree of compliance is assumed to be a highly moral position.

At the postconventional level, morality is understood in terms of conformance with ‘higher’ or ‘universal’ ethical principles. Postconventional assumptions often challenge existing regulatory regimes and social norms and so postconventional behaviour is often costly in personal terms.

Level 1: Preconventional level

Stage/Plane 1: Punishment-obedience orientation

Stage/Plane 2: Instrumental relativist orientation

Level 2: Conventional level

Stage/Plane 3: Good boy-nice girl orientation

Stage/Plane 4: Law and order orientation

Level 3: Postconventional level

Stage/Plane 5: Social contract orientation

Stage/Plane 6: Universal ethical principle orientation