Conventional Level

Definition

The conventional level is a stage of moral development in which individuals conform to the expectations and social norms of their surrounding environment. This level is characterized by a focus on maintaining societal order and adhering to established rules and regulations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The conventional level is the second of Kohlberg's three levels of moral development, occurring between the ages of 10 and 13 years old.
2. At the conventional level, individuals base their moral judgments on the expectations of authority figures, such as parents, teachers, and the law.
3. Conformity to social norms and the desire to maintain social order are key characteristics of the conventional level of moral development.
4. Individuals at the conventional level are motivated to do what is considered 'right' in order to avoid punishment, gain approval, or maintain their standing within the group.
5. The conventional level is considered a more advanced stage of moral development compared to the earlier pre-conventional level, which is focused on individual self-interest.

Review Questions

• Explain how the conventional level of moral development is characterized by a focus on conformity to social norms and the expectations of authority figures.
  • At the conventional level of moral development, individuals base their moral judgments primarily on the expectations and social norms of their surrounding environment. They are motivated to do what is considered 'right' in order to avoid punishment, gain approval, or maintain their standing within the group. Conformity to established rules and regulations, as well as the desire to uphold societal order, are key characteristics of this stage of moral reasoning. Individuals at the conventional level rely heavily on the opinions and expectations of authority figures, such as parents, teachers, and the law, when determining the morality of their actions.
• Analyze how the process of socialization contributes to an individual's development of the conventional level of moral reasoning.
  • The process of socialization plays a crucial role in an individual's development of the conventional level of moral reasoning. Through socialization, individuals acquire the values, beliefs, and behaviors that are considered acceptable and necessary to function within a particular society or group. As they internalize these social norms and expectations, they begin to base their moral judgments on conformity to these established rules and the approval of authority figures. The desire to maintain social order and avoid punishment or social sanctions becomes a driving force in their moral decision-making at the conventional level. This stage of moral development reflects the individual's strong alignment with the moral standards and behavioral expectations of their surrounding environment, which are shaped through the process of socialization.
• Evaluate how the transition from the pre-conventional level to the conventional level of moral development represents a more advanced stage of moral reasoning.
  • The transition from the pre-conventional level to the conventional level of moral development represents a significant advancement in an individual's moral reasoning. At the pre-conventional level, moral judgments are primarily based on individual self-interest and the avoidance of punishment. In contrast, the conventional level is characterized by a focus on conformity to social norms and the expectations of authority figures. This shift demonstrates a growing understanding of the importance of maintaining social order and adhering to established rules and regulations. Individuals at the conventional level are able to consider the perspectives of others and recognize the need to uphold societal standards, rather than solely focusing on their own immediate needs or desires. This more advanced stage of moral development reflects a greater capacity for moral reasoning and a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of ethical decision-making within a social context.

Related terms

Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development: A theory of moral development proposed by Lawrence Kohlberg, which outlines six stages of moral reasoning, including the conventional level.

Moral Reasoning: The cognitive process of determining the rightness or wrongness of an action based on moral principles, values, and social norms.

Socialization:

The process by which individuals acquire the values, beliefs, and behaviors necessary to function within a particular society or group.