Ramesh finds his friend's pen very fascinating and thinks of stealing it but then he decided not to steal because if his parents will know they will not think positive about him. According to Kohlberg at which stage of morality is Ramesh ?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Good boy - Good girl orientation. In Kohlberg's stages of moral development, the "good boy-good girl orientation" is part of the conventional level where the individual's behavior is guided by the desire to conform to social expectations and the desire for approval. Ramesh's concern about his parents' opinion reflects this stage.

Information Booster:

1. The Good boy - Good girl orientation reflects a desire to maintain interpersonal relationships and social harmony.
2. It is the third stage in Kohlberg’s six-stage theory, situated in the conventional level.
3. Decisions are influenced by perceived approval or disapproval from others.
4. Morality is judged based on intentions and relationships, not just consequences.
5. The focus is on maintaining social norms and expectations within close groups like family or peers.
6. This stage typically develops during late childhood or adolescence.

Additional Knowledge:

• (a) Instrumental relativist orientation:
  This is the second stage of moral development, where actions are driven by self-interest and reciprocity ("What's in it for me?"). For example, helping someone with the expectation of a favor in return characterizes this stage.
• (b) Punishment and obedience orientation:
  This is the first stage, where decisions are based on avoiding punishment. Morality is defined by whether an action leads to punishment, with little regard for others’ perspectives or intentions.
• (c) Social contract orientation:
  This stage, part of the post-conventional level, involves reasoning based on abstract principles and the greater good. Individuals recognize societal rules but value them only if they serve justice and fairness.