The Pre-Conventional Stage Of Moral Development

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The two individuals in my family that I chose to compare their moral development is my maternal grandmother and my youngest son. My son just turned six in February, and my grandmother is eighty-two years old. As far as the similarities between the two there is not much, other than my grandmother also went through the pre-conventional stage of morality as well. My grandmother and I have always had a great relationship, so I have been hearing about her upbringing sine I can remember. She was born on a small island in the Caribbean called St. Kitts. Her father was a baker and a descendant of the Taino Indians. Her mother was the daughter of African slaves who lived on a plantation on the island. She always spoke of her father who was the disciplinarian, …show more content…
Which is outlined in level one of the pre-conventional stage morality, which is the punishment and obedience orientation stage? In this particular phase, the moral thinking does not extend beyond the association of certain behaviors that warrant a specific reward or punishment. The child will submit to the authority figures explanation of what is right or wrong. The children of this stage are only concerned with the consequences attached, rather than the behavior itself (Williams & Arrigo, 2012). These actions are evident with my son whose only interest is self, ninety percent of his actions and impulses are self-motivated. He is beginning to realize the difference in doing something wrong that brings punishment, and when does a good deed then there is a reward. My grandmother also had to experience this step in moral development. She offers her insight to him to prevent the selfish and impulsive acts that will lead to him receiving some punishment. After the obedience and punishment phase, he will merge into the phase of advancing his desires and pursuing self-interest. This is where his moral actions will be purposely used to further himself and his concern for other people will