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Kohlberg’s Career
Kohlberg became part of the Yale University staff in 1959 when he was appointed
assistant professor of psychology. He returned to the University of Chicago three years
later as an assistant professor. He worked there for the next six years as the director of
child psychology training program and associate professor. In 1968, Kohlberg became a
professor at Harvard University. While at Harvard, he helped found the Cluster School
and the Center for Moral Education.
Contribution to Psychology
Lawrence Kohlberg’s main contribution to psychology was his stages of moral
development. He expanded upon and modified Jean Piaget’s work to form a theory that
clearly explained the development of moral reasoning. He was able to identify six
stages of moral development. He was of the opinion that correct moral reasoning was
the key factor in moral decision making. He also believed that people progress through
these stages the same way they progress through stages of cognitive development.
Kohlberg’s theory had three levels and six stages. Level one was labeled
“preconventional morality” and the first stage included obedience and punishment while
the second stage included individualism and exchange.
The second level in Kohlberg’s theory was named “conventional morality.” The first
stage of this level – stage 3 – was based on interpersonal relationships while the other
stage in this level dealt with maintaining social order.
Thirdly, “postconventional morality” was the third level and it included social contract
and individual rights in the fifth stage and universal principles for the sixth stage.