Which stage of morality is focused on obedient behavior driven by avoiding punishment?

The stage of morality focused on obedient behavior driven by avoiding punishment is identified as pre-conventional morality. This stage, which is part of Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, emphasizes the individual's motivation to adhere to rules to prevent negative consequences. In this stage, moral reasoning is primarily self-centered; individuals make decisions based on the immediate physical consequences of their actions.

During pre-conventional morality, a person's understanding of right and wrong is largely shaped by the direct impact of their actions on themselves. This means they tend to follow rules or authority figures primarily to avoid punishment rather than out of a sense of moral duty or the understanding of societal rules. This stage lays the foundation for more complex moral reasoning that develops in later stages, where the focus shifts towards societal norms and ethical principles.

In contrast, other stages of morality involve more nuanced considerations about laws, societal agreement, and personal ethics, which are not predominantly motivated by the fear of punishment. Thus, pre-conventional morality specifically captures the essence of obedience motivated by fear of negative repercussions.