Conventional level

Definition

The conventional level is the second stage in Kohlberg's stages of moral development, where individuals base their moral decisions on societal norms and the expectations of others. At this level, people strive to uphold laws, rules, and social conventions to gain approval or maintain order, reflecting a desire to fit in and be seen as good by their peers and community.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. At the conventional level, moral reasoning is heavily influenced by social relationships and the desire for acceptance from others.
2. This level typically emerges during adolescence but can continue into adulthood for some individuals.
3. Individuals at this stage may conform to laws and rules not necessarily because they agree with them, but to avoid disapproval from others.
4. Examples of behavior at the conventional level include obeying traffic laws to avoid getting a ticket or following school rules to be liked by peers.
5. The conventional level emphasizes the importance of social harmony and maintaining relationships within a community.

Review Questions

• How does the conventional level differ from the preconventional level in terms of moral reasoning?
  • The conventional level differs from the preconventional level primarily in how individuals justify their moral decisions. While those at the preconventional level make choices based on immediate consequences for themselves, individuals at the conventional level focus on social norms and the expectations of others. This means that while a preconventional thinker might avoid wrongdoing simply to avoid punishment, a conventional thinker will consider how their actions affect their reputation and relationships within their community.
• Discuss how social influences shape moral reasoning at the conventional level compared to higher levels of moral reasoning.
  • Social influences play a critical role at the conventional level, as individuals are motivated by the need for approval from peers and adherence to societal rules. Unlike higher levels of moral reasoning, where individuals prioritize personal ethical principles over societal norms, those at the conventional level often conform to expectations to maintain social order. This results in decisions that reflect conformity rather than personal conviction, highlighting the significant impact of community values and relationships on moral choices.
• Evaluate the implications of remaining at the conventional level throughout adulthood on an individual's moral decision-making process.
  • Remaining at the conventional level throughout adulthood can limit an individual's moral decision-making by causing them to prioritize social approval over deeper ethical considerations. This may lead to a reluctance to challenge unjust laws or societal norms because of fear of disapproval or ostracism. Consequently, adults who do not progress to postconventional thinking might struggle with situations requiring critical evaluation of ethics versus conformity, potentially leading to passive acceptance of problematic social practices without questioning their morality.

Related terms

moral development:

The process through which individuals develop their understanding of morality, typically categorized into stages that reflect increasingly complex reasoning about right and wrong.

postconventional level: The third stage in Kohlberg's theory, where individuals recognize universal ethical principles and prioritize them over societal rules and laws.

preconventional level: The first stage in Kohlberg's stages of moral development, characterized by a focus on direct consequences of actions for oneself, such as punishment and reward.