What is the predicted first stage of moral development according to Kohlberg?

Kohlberg’s theory of moral development is structured in a series of stages that represent distinct levels of moral reasoning. The first stage of moral development is known as obedience and punishment orientation. This foundational stage occurs in early childhood, where a child's moral reasoning is primarily based on the direct consequences of their actions.

At this stage, children understand morality in terms of punishment and obedience, where they perceive right actions as those that avoid punishment and wrong actions as those that lead to punishment. This differentiation sets the groundwork for more complex moral reasoning as the child matures.

Understanding that actions are evaluated based on their outcomes—especially in relation to punishment—can help caregivers and educators guide children in moral reasoning. It also highlights the child's early efforts to navigate social rules, albeit in a very simplistic manner focused solely on authority and the immediate effects of behavior. This stage is crucial as it forms the basis for the subsequent stages, where moral reasoning becomes more nuanced and complex.