At what stage do children start to understand the concept of fairness and justice?

The concept of fairness and justice is intricately linked to moral development, which refers to the processes through which individuals learn to distinguish right from wrong and develop values and ethical principles. During early childhood, children begin to understand social norms, the implications of their actions, and the importance of fairness in interactions with peers. This stage is often characterized by the way children engage in cooperative play, share resources, and resolve conflicts.

As their awareness of social dynamics increases, they start to recognize that not everyone is treated equitably, and they begin to form notions of what constitutes just behavior. This moral reasoning goes through various stages, as proposed by theorists like Lawrence Kohlberg, who outlined how children progressively develop more complex understandings of moral principles, including fairness.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different domains of development. Motor development focuses on physical skills, social development emphasizes interpersonal relationships and socialization, while cognitive development relates to thinking processes and intellectual capabilities. While these areas are interconnected and influence each other, the understanding of fairness and justice distinctly aligns with moral development.