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Adolescence MODULE 11 1852. Conventional moral reasoning. The primary concern of conventional moral reasoning is to fit in and play the role of a good citizen. People at this level have a strong desire to follow the rules and laws of society. Conventional moral reasoning is typical of most adults, according to Kohlberg. It is generally apparent by early adolescence, when Piaget%u2019s formal operational thought kicks in. A conventional moral reasoning statement might be something like, %u201cIt%u2019s wrong to steal because stealing breaks the law.%u201d3. Postconventional moral reasoning. Postconventional moral reasoning is characterized by references to universal ethical principles that represent the rights or obligations of all people. Most people do not reach this third level. A postconventional level might be something like, %u201cIt%u2019s OK to steal the drug because everyone has a right to live.%u201dHas Kohlberg%u2019s theory stood the test of time? Yes and no, but it%u2019s fair to point out that this theory has its share of critics. From a cultural standpoint, statements labeled as the highest level of moral reasoning tended to reflect the values of PostconventionallevelPreconventionallevelConventionallevelMy new approach to distributing food could end hunger in the world.I hope I%u2019m doing this right; I don%u2019t want my teacher to be disappointed.I%u2019m really worried aboutgiving this presentation.There are a ton of rules I%u2019msupposed to follow to doit right.FIGURE 11.2 Climbing Lawrence Kohlberg%u2019s Ladder of Moral DevelopmentAs moral reasoning progresses, the focus changes from concern with self (preconventional), to concern with fitting in (conventional), to concern with broader ethical principles (postconventional). Comstock/Stockbyte/ Getty Images Wavebreak Media Premium/Alamy Stock Photo Tetra Images/Getty Images%u00a9 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers. For review purposes only. Do not distribute.