Explain is simple terms what is happening during these stages

Question

Stage 1: Punishment and obedience orientation: During this stage, children
find it very difficult to view a moral dilemma from different angles. They evaluate
behaviour only based on its consequences. Thus, the person's motives are not
considered. Children are obedient for the sake of obedience and behave correctly to
avoid punishment but will not consider behaviour as incorrect if it is not discovered
and punished.
The following is characteristic of children's reactions to Heinz's dilemma in this stage: Children arguing against the stealing of the medicine will answer, "Heinz mustn't
steal because if he does, he will go to jail." Children arguing in favour of stealing the
medicine will answer, "Heinz should steal the medicine because if he doesn't, his
wife will die and he will get into trouble, because people will say he contributed to her
death." Both these examples clearly indicate the punishment orientation of children
in this stage.
► Stage 2: Individualism, instrumental purpose, and exchange: During this stage,
children begin to develop the awareness that different people may have different
viewpoints about a moral dilemma. Initially, this awareness is very concrete. Children
now feel that it is correct to obey rules if they are in someone's immediate interest.
Thus, it is right to act out of self-interest and to one's own advantage. Obedience is
still aimed primarily at obtaining some reward and gratifying personal needs.
During this stage, the child may respond to Heinz's dilemma as follows: Children
arguing in favour of stealing the medicine will answer: "Heinz should steal the
medicine. He will not really harm the inventor of the medicine. He can always pay him
back later. If he doesn't want to lose his wife, he should take the medicine because it
is the only thing that will work." Children arguing against the stealing of the medicine
will answer, "Heinz shouldn't steal the medicine. It is a serious crime. The inventor
isn't wrong or bad; he just wants to make a profit. That is why you are in business."
Both these answers reflect the gratifying of needs, which is characteristic of moral
thinking during this stage.

Answer 1

Sure! Let's break down the stages into simple terms:

Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience Orientation

• What it is: In this stage, young children think simply about right and wrong. They focus only on the consequences of actions, especially whether they will get in trouble or not.
• Key Idea: Kids believe you should obey rules to avoid punishment. They don't really think about feelings or why someone might act a certain way; all they see is that stealing could lead to jail.
• Example Reactions to Heinz's Dilemma:
  • Against Stealing: "Heinz shouldn't steal because he could go to jail."
  • In Favor of Stealing: "Heinz should steal because if he doesn’t, his wife will die, and people will blame him."

Stage 2: Individualism, Instrumental Purpose, and Exchange

• What it is: In this stage, kids start to realize that different people can have different opinions about what’s right or wrong. They think about how actions can benefit themselves or others.
• Key Idea: Kids begin to feel it’s okay to break rules if it serves their interests. They see obedience as a way to get rewards or satisfy personal needs.
• Example Reactions to Heinz's Dilemma:
  • In Favor of Stealing: "Heinz should take the medicine because he needs it to save his wife, and he can always repay the inventor later."
  • Against Stealing: "Heinz shouldn’t steal because it’s illegal, and the inventor just wants to make money. That's business."

In summary, in the first stage, kids follow rules just to avoid punishment. In the second stage, they start to see that different people have different viewpoints and that moral decisions can connect to personal gain or needs.