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.