Chapter 19: Moral Development

The Development of Morality Morality is a system of conduct based on what is right

and wrong. It is the basis of order and good will in the world. Most people try to behave morally. Knowing which actions are right-and acting on them-can be hard at times.

It is important as a potential EC provider that you practice high standards of morality.

How you treat others affects their treatment of you. You gain self respect when you follow a moral course. People with character are morally strong, with the ability to think, judge and act with maturity.

A conscience is an inner sense of what is wrong and right in a person’s own behavior or motives. In healthy moral growth, the conscience grows with a person’s experience and ability to understand the meaning of concepts.

Levels of Moral Development Psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg did some research

on moral development. He found that as the moral self develops it moves through 3 general levels. Each level has 2 stages, totaling 6 stages: Preconventional Level-where moral thinking focuses on

the outcome of behavior. Acts are good or bad according to their results. A parent or other authority figure usually sets the rules for children.▪ Stage 1-childcren obey rules to avoid negative outcomes. They

have learned some things are right and wrong but don’t yet know why. They only k now what will happen if they disobey.

▪ Stage 2-Children obey to earn rewards . They do not question why someone is right and wrong. They know what behavior is desired by others.

Conventional Level-the rules, expectations and judgment of the group become the standard for behavior. The group may be family, classmates or unit of government. This level has stages 3 & 4: Stage 3-people obey to avoid disapproval or dislike

from others. Good behavior is whatever pleases other people. Those who go along to win the approval of their friends are at this stage.

Stage 4-Obeying rules because they represent authority is the theme of stage 4. People accept and respect laws that are to be upheld. They understand rules are necessary for an orderly society

Post-Conventional Level-reached around 16 years old. Moral beliefs are based on moral principals. People begin to evaluate customs, rules, and laws in terms of their personal standards. Stage 5-People may decide that not all laws are good ones.

They may try to change ones they think are unfair. Personal agreements between people gain moral importance. Decisions are based on what the individual’s idea of fair and fitting.

Stage 6-Morality is based on universal principles. These include the fact that life is sacred. People in this stage adopt these principles and act on them. At the highest degree these are people who devote their lives to helping others (MLK, Mother Theresa, etc)

Moral Growth

Moral growth is not the same for everyone. Some adults show less moral growth than some teens.

Moral growth is also not consistent. Some people who have reached higher stages may act inappropriately at times.

True moral growth is shown by a person’s attitudes and actions as a whole.

Moral Reasoning

Not everyone agrees all of the time. People are raised differently. They learn different principles and values. Can two people who have different principles and values both be right?

Some situations are moral dilemmas. No option is right. Honesty is the best policy, so when you dislike a friends new outfit, should you say so? Is it dishonest for a person to steal food if he or she is starving?

Moral Reasoning

Difficult ?s will always exist. We deal with moral reasoning by using logic and critical thinking. The goals is to understand the issue as clearly as possible and then make an informed choice.

First, ask the ?s you need. Talk to those who can help, then reflect on your options keeping in mind if someone can get hurt. Look for actions that do not harm. Next, use the principles and values that you know are right. Finally, think of yourself. It may be easy to go along with the crowd, but strong moral convictions can help you act with confidence.

Code of Ethics

A clear set of rules or principles that guide actions and decisions. It is the real life application of a person’s values.

Your code of ethics has an impact on your relationships with others. When you treat others fairly & with honesty, relationships grow. Problems can arise when people’s code of ethics crash. Tolerance may be enough to keep the relationship. Sometimes you may need to break off the relationship.

Code of Ethics

Organizations have code of conduct and ethical standards. These help shape the goals of the group. They guide how people are treated. When people join groups or businesses with professional standards they are required to follow them.

A strong code of ethics is a mark of true moral development.

19.2 Moving Toward Maturity

When a person is mature, it means they have completed natural growth and development. No one wants to be labeled immature. The words brings up images of selfishness and helplessness.

Personal development never stops, it continues over time so in one sense maturity is never reached.

Qualities of Maturity

Independence Handle conformity Self discipline Responsibility Good work habits Respect for others competence

Independence

-mature people have established their identities. They earn a living and typically live apart from their parents. They solve their own problems and make their own decisions.

Handle Conformity

To follow the customs, rules and standards of a group. Some conformity is needed while other times individuality is acceptable.

Self discipline

the ability to direct your own behavior in a responsible way. You show this trait when you resists temptation or when you stick with a difficult job until it is done.

Responsibility

Dependable. People know you will do as you say and complete the tasks assigned to you. Responsible people think about what their actions may cause. If something goes wrong, they accept their mistakes gracefully and follow up appropriately. They look out for other people as well as themselves.

Good Work Habits

Good work habits are shown at home, school in your relationships and at work.

You can develop a good system of work habits by: Deciding what you want to accomplish Make time and get things done Make deals to motivate yourself Make lists Tackle each task as if it were the most

important.

Making Good Decisions

A good solution or decision is one that: Fills your needs and wants, not someone

else’s. Causes no physical or emotional harm to

you or anyone else. Is based on fact, rather than hope,

wishes or fantasy. Has acceptable short and long term

results.

Respect for Others

The willingness to appreciate others and respect their needs and feelings. You cannot do this if you are egocentric. (You see life only from your view)

As children grow, they start to see they are not the center of the world.

Reject prejudice-respect for others means one does not put up with unfair judgments.

Competence

People use many mental, emotional, and social skills in dealing with everyday life. Mature people have learned to use their skills competently. Mature people recognize their own level of competence. They know when they have the ability to try something that could lead to success. They don’t let pride or pressure lead them into situations they cannot handle.

Mature people grow through mistakes. Even the most competent person makes mistakes. Use errors as a means of improvement is a mark of maturity.

A Philosophy of Life

This is the sum of your beliefs, attitudes, values and priorities. This philosophy affects the goals you work toward. It affects the personal traits you work toward and the way you treat others.

Think about the principles you follow. What things would you do? What will you avoid at all costs?