Social and Moral Development 1

Social and Moral Development

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Social and Moral Development 2

During a child’s moral and social development a child have many different levels and

stages. Every child develops at their own pace, but there are developmental points to watch for as

they grow. As children grow they hit many different milestones that help them become the

person that they are. We begin as infants and start to learn everything from the environment we

are immersed in. We go through many different stages and another one we must develop

through is the social and morality stages.

Infancy (Birth-2)

During infancy children at this stage are aware that the people around them have desires,

intentions, and goals which are different from their own. They look to others to see their

expressions to see what their own reaction should be, as well as showing signs of distress.

Early Childhood (2-6)

A child in early childhood realizes that some physical behaviors which cause harm are

morally wrong, being able to feel guilt for something that was done wrong, and also shows more

concern for themselves than others.

Middle Childhood (6-10)

Once they reach middle childhood the development process develops more to where the

child has a naïve sense of government and politics, feels shame for morally wrong doings, as

well as being able to strive to meet the goals of others and the goals they set for themselves.

Early Adolescence (10-14)

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Entering into early adolescence lets the child recognize that people have multiple and

conflicting emotions and motives, an interest for pleasing those around them, and being able to

recognize that some rules and standard are for their benefit.

Late Adolescence (14-18)

Children who are now in late adolescence have learned to realize that people are a

product of their environment and influences, conventions and rules help society run smoothly, as

well as learning how to be a stand up citizen instead of just pleasing the people around them.

There are different 4 different levels which help to identify the perspective development

in children, which was created by Robert Selman.

Level 0-4

The Egocentric Perspective (level0), shows that a child isn’t able to observe the

perspectives of others. In turn the child is unaware that those around them have their own

perspective.

The Subjective Perspective (level1), children are able to realize that people have different

thoughts and feelings from their own.

The Second Person Reciprocal (level 2), children are able to recognize that others will

react to things differently. Children are also able to recognize that people act differently when

there is an outside influence involved.

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The Third Person Mutual Perspective (level 3), children are able to accomplish the

satisfaction for themselves and of others. Children also learn that there are benefits of working

together; cooperation, compromise, and trust.

The Societal Symbolic Perspective (level 4), children learn to recognize that the

environment influences people and their behavior.

During infancy a child begins to notice other children, attempts to play with them, as well

as imitate different emotions towards others. In the second stage a child begins to develop a

sense of ownership, sense of responsibility, as well as how to share and how to handle situations.

In the third stage the child may have the desire to help out in the community; they can also blame

themselves for the discontent of others. In late adolescence, those who are in misery help the

child to find ways to comfort and console those in the environment.

Kohlberg presents a theory on moral reasoning which offers three levels

and six stages, which each contain two levels. Level 1 is Pre-Conventional

Morality; the 2 stages are obedience and punishment avoidance. Punishment stage

is made when a person makes their decision to the best of their interests.

Obedience is thought of when it is witnessed that in return for it you will get

something in return.

Level 2 is Conventional Morality; this is normally during the high school

years. First stage is good boy/girl; a child views others behaviors and makes their

decision in judgment based on that of others as well as viewing the point of views

of others.

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Next is the Law and Order stage; a child will recognize the purpose of

having rules and laws in place.

Level 3 is Post Conventional Morality; Social Contract stage a child will recognize that

everyone deserves to be treated equal. Last is the Universal Ethical Principal in which everyone

learns to deal with their choices whether they are good or bad.

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References:

Child Development. (2004). In J. O. T. McDevitt, Educating and Working

withChildren and Adolescents, Second Edition, Pearson

Education, Inc.