Sequence the Kohlberg's stage of moral understanding
A. Good boy - good girl orientation
B. Social - order maintaining orientation
C. Punishment and obedient orientation
D. Social contract orientation
E. Instrumental purpose orientation
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is D

Kohlberg’s stages of moral understanding are divided into three levels, each containing two stages. The correct sequence of these stages is as follows:
1. C. Punishment and obedient orientation: This is the first stage, where children focus on avoiding punishment. They obey rules because they are told to do so.
2. E. Instrumental purpose orientation: This is stage 2, where the focus shifts to individual needs and interests. Children realize that others have different needs and that moral behavior serves their own interests as well as those of others.
3. A. Good boy - good girl orientation: Stage 3 involves seeking approval and maintaining good relationships with others. People act morally to meet the expectations of others and to gain their approval.
4. B. Social-order maintaining orientation: Stage 4 is when individuals start considering the importance of maintaining social order. They understand the importance of obeying laws and rules to preserve society’s structure.
5. D. Social contract orientation: Stage 5 is marked by an understanding of the social contract, where people understand that laws should be based on fairness and the greatest good for the greatest number.
Information Booster: Kohlberg’s theory of moral development outlines the stages people go through as they progress from a simplistic understanding of right and wrong to more complex, abstract reasoning about morality. Kohlberg divided moral development into three levels:
1. Preconventional Level (Stages 1 and 2):
· Stage 1: Punishment and Obedience: Moral decisions are based on avoiding punishment.
· Stage 2: Instrumental Purpose: Actions are taken to satisfy personal needs or interests.
2. Conventional Level (Stages 3 and 4):
· Stage 3: Good Boy-Good Girl: Morality is based on gaining approval and maintaining good relationships.
· Stage 4: Social Order-Maintaining: Moral reasoning focuses on following societal rules and maintaining order.
3. Postconventional Level (Stages 5 and 6):
· Stage 5: Social Contract: Laws and rules are seen as important but should be evaluated in terms of fairness.
· Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles: Moral decisions are based on abstract ethical principles, such as justice and equality.