In which Kohberg's moral development stage is behavior influenced by peer pressure and societal norms?

The conventional stage of Kohlberg's moral development theory is characterized by an individual's behavior being significantly influenced by societal norms and peer pressure. At this stage, individuals begin to internalize the moral standards of their community and start to see the importance of maintaining social order and relationships. They are concerned about fitting in, gaining approval from others, and adhering to the expectations set by society.

During this stage, moral reasoning is based on the understanding of societal rules and the desire to uphold them. People in the conventional stage often prioritize the good of the group over individual desires, reflecting a mindset that seeks to align personal behavior with the expectations of others. This indicates a reliance on the opinions of friends, family, and society at large, illustrating how external influences can shape moral decisions.

The other stages, such as the preconventional and postconventional stages, have different focuses. The preconventional stage is more self-centered and driven by personal consequences, while the postconventional stage emphasizes universal ethical principles that may contradict societal norms. The ethical stage, while it may sound relevant, is not formally recognized in Kohlberg's framework.