Question

Amelia’s parents and Jason and Janet’s parents have decided they want to have a Monopoly game night together. Jason (11 yrs old), is excited to play with the adults but is worried about his little sister Janet (1 yr old) and Amelia (6 yrs old) not being mature enough to play. Jason realizes he’s correct when he sees his little sister just playing with the community chest cards and Amelia making up her own rules about how the game should be played (such as every time someone lands on a railroad, they have to pay her – despite the fact she doesn’t own any of them). Even more frustrating, Jason tries to keep up with the adults, as they make special pacts regarding some of the properties, but he doesn’t understand how it is supposed to work; thankfully, he is still able to play the game fairly decently – following the rules as best he can.

1. What stage are the adults in?

2. What stage is Amelia in?

3. What stage is Janet in?

4. What stage is Jason in?

Answer 1

1. The adults are at the social contract stage of the post conventional level of moral reasoning (Level 3, Stage 5). This is because they regard morality as that which mutually benefits all.

2. Amelia is at the self interest stage of the preconventional level of moral reasoning (Level 1, Stage 2), as her focus is on personal rewards.

3. Janet is at the obedience/punishment stage of the preconventional stage of moral reasoning (Level 1, Stage 1). For her, there is no difference between doing the right thing and avoiding punishment:

4. Jason is at the authority and social order stage of the conventional stage of moral reasoning (Level 4, Stage 2). This is because he is preoccupied with fixed rules and regulations.