In: Psychology
What are the stages of moral development and how might they relate to the tendency to use aggression in sport? 1 page
There are 3 stages of moral development explained by Kohlberg.
1. Preconventional stage
At this stage a childs morality is based on authoritative conditioning. The individual follows and listens to all the rules in society fearing the consequences of punishment. This stage is characterized by obedience-punishment and insturmental orientation.
2. Conventional Stage
In this stage morality is tied up to society and personal relationships, the child follows rules and maintiains integrity so as to keep a positive bonding with other and the structure of the society.
3. Post conventional Stage
This stage morality is defined by abstract principles and values. They rationalize laws and rules and follow accordingly. At this stage one may disobey rules that dont fall within their principles.
The use of aggression in sport will fall under the last two stages of morality. Aggression will be used to win or maintain the team balance or it could be used if the game is going against ones principles. Agression could mean personal gains or team gains.