A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF MORAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE SOUTH-AFRICAN CONTEXT

This study has two aims, to examine aspects of Kohlberg's claims of un iversality within a unique research context and to explore differences in moral development between black and white South Africans. 81 parti cipants from four different age groups were administered Form A of Koh lberg's moral judgement interviews. Analysis supported the age-related ness of Kohlberg's stages of moral development and provided some suppo rt for the notion that the stages should be evident in various culture s. A significant difference in moral development between black and whi te groups in the 19- to 28-yr. age group was found. Further, black and white groups had different concerns when justifying moral choices. Th e results were discussed in the context of the South African system, w hich until recently has been one of institutionalised racial division.