Kohlberg's Pre-Conventional Stage Of Individualism

In the Kohlberg's pre-conventional stage of individualism and exchange, children recognize that there is only one right view and that is handed down by the authorities

In Kohlberg's developmental theory of moral reasoning, the pre-conventional stage, specifically the stage of individualism and exchange, is characterized by children's understanding that moral decisions are based primarily on self-interest and reciprocal benefits. During this stage, children recognize that authority figures hold the right view, and their moral judgments are guided by obedience to authority rather than internalized moral principles. This understanding aligns with the concept that children see rules as fixed and unchallengeable, and they believe that behavior is right if it serves their own interests or benefits others in a contractual sense (Kohlberg, 1981).

According to Kohlberg's stages of moral development, children in this phase tend to interpret morality concretely, believing that authorities dictate what is right, and deviations from these rules are disobedient or wrong. This stage typically occurs between the ages of 4 and 7 years old and reflects a developing understanding of social interactions based on fairness and reciprocity, but still relies heavily on external authority figures for moral guidance (Rest & Thompson, 1986). This perspective contrasts with the later stages where moral reasoning is driven by universal principles or internalized values rather than authority alone.

Research indicates that children at this stage are likely to view moral authority — such as parents, teachers, or other figures of authority — as the source of moral truth, rather than their own reasoning or societal norms. They tend to obey rules because they fear punishment or desire approval, which underscores the dependence on authoritative guidance typical of this phase (Kohlberg, 1984). As they mature, children progress beyond this stage to moral reasoning based on social contracts and personal principles, reflecting increased cognitive and moral maturity.

Therefore, the statement that children in Kohlberg's pre-conventional stage of individualism and exchange recognize that there is only one right view handed down by authorities is accurate. It emphasizes their dependence on external authoritative rules for moral decision-making and reinforces their developmental stage of moral understanding. This understanding is foundational for progressing through Kohlberg's stages, as children begin to develop more autonomous moral reasoning as they grow older and gain cognitive maturity (Lind, 2008).

References

• Kohlberg, L. (1981). Essays on moral development, Volume I: The philosophy of moral development. Harper & Row.
• Rest, J. R., & Thompson, R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and theory. Praeger Publishers.
• Kohlberg, L. (1984). The psychology of moral development: The nature and validity of moral stages. Harper & Row.
• Lind, G. (2008). Moral development. In D. Elkind (Ed.), Child psychology and developmental processes (pp. 102-120). Academic Press.