Kohlberg's Moral Development Theory Nneka Austin

Morality is a term that is easily confused with social convention. Both terms express how we treat others. However, the difference may sometime be used interchangeably because most social norms are based on moral views. So what are the differences? Morality is laws that are set in place to protect and serves human beings. On the other hand, Social convention is common laws that are created by societies. These laws are not universal; they are only practiced in certain social groups. What are acceptable in one society, maybe unacceptable in others? The confusion lays when social norms are based on morals. It is morally wrong to steal. The victim of the stealing would be treated unfairly and his things weren’t protect, which refers to morality issues. Stealing could also refer to social issues. In most societies stealing isn’t acceptable, but a few societies may accept stealing. For instinct, in the famous children’s book, “Peter Pan”, he stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Although Peter Pan was morally wrong, it was socially right due to the fact he gave the poor what they needed. Therefore, social norms could lead to immoral behavior, even if moral reasoning is present.

“The Heinz Dilemma” is a scenario that is similar to Peter Pan’s. Heinz’s wife was dying and didn’t have enough money to afford the drug to keep her alive. As a result, he stole the drug to keep his wife alive. This scenario was proposed to children and asked them should Heinz have done that. The children stated that it was wrong. As the same as other case studies with different theorists, this case study was in its favor. Children are taught not to steal at a very young age. Of course they would say that Heinz shouldn’t have stolen from the store. I wonder what would have happened if the children was left in the room by themselves, with their favorite sweets. They are told not to eat the sweets because it belongs to another group of kids. Would the children eat the sweets? Before I agree with Kohlberg’s moral development theory, I need to know that a child who knows moral reasoning would also behave morally. Until then, a lesson plan based on morals is a waste of time. The time could be spent on other subjects.