Question

Using Kohlberg's fourth and fifth stages of moral development, explain how a teen may decide to engage in sexual activity (keep in mind that depending on the stage of development, the teen may make different decisions).

USE PEER REVIEWED SOURCES AND CITE THEM

How might these stages play a role in a teens decision making to participate in sexual acitivity.

Answer 1

Kohlberg’s Fourth Stage of Moral Development comes under the Conventional Level . It is also known as the SOCIAL ORDER MAINTAINING ORIENTATION . This is the stage where the morality is decided by what is best for most of the people . The decision making is based on the society’s perspective .

In Kohlberg’s Fifth Stage of Moral Development which is the post conventional level where the individual becomes more aware of the individual rights . As the name of this stage SOCIAL CONTRACT AND INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS suggest that, though an individual believes in the rules of the society but he or she is more concerned about individuals agreeing to the law and rules of the society . The rules and laws that are unjust are ought to be changed .

The popular example of Heinz stealing the drug given by Kohlberg explains the fifth stage very well.He had to steal the drug to save his wife who was battling cancer and the chemist was selling the drug much more expensive that the actual cost . Thus For Heinz stealing the drug to save his life was more important than abiding by the societal rule . The same thing happens when a teen wants to engage in sex . In the stage four of Kohlberg’s the teen may hesitate to involve in sex as it is against the societal norms but as he grows and gets into the fifth stage he understands that it’s his love and physiological needs thus he might decide to involve in the sex .

To make it more clear let’s see how These stages play role in teens decision making based on following way :

Stage 4- the teen is more likely to make decision based on the fear of society or due to the societal pressure thus try to repress his sexual desires . He might fear as what his parents will say ? What if school or college authority get to know ?

Stage 5 a As he grows and matures, he is able to understand the concept of morals , and individual responsibility. He now makes decision based on what he believe it to be right . The teen is now logical enough to make decision . He still fear his parents , society but he may use protection just to abide by the social rule of having a safe sex for both the girl as well as for him.

Conclusion : The Kohlberg’s stages of moral development involves the changes in thoughts and behaviours regarding right or wrong . Same happens when the transition from fourth to fifth stage takes place .   The teen by having a consensual , safe and a precautionary sex abides by  the rules of society Still succeeds to make his individual choice .