What is the primary characteristic of Stage 1 in Lawrence Kohlberg's Moral Development?

Stage 1 of Lawrence Kohlberg's Moral Development is characterized by a focus on obedience and the avoidance of punishment. In this stage, individuals make decisions primarily based on the consequences of their actions, particularly in relation to authority figures. The understanding here is that actions are right or wrong depending on whether they lead to punishment or reward. This moral reasoning is egocentric, as it reflects a self-oriented perspective where one's own safety and avoidance of negative outcomes take precedence.

In this stage, the importance of rules is recognized, but the motivation to follow these rules is primarily driven by fear of punishment rather than a genuine commitment to the rules themselves. This represents a fundamental stage in moral development where the concept of morality is still heavily linked to external control rather than internalized principles.