Which of the following is NOT part of Kohlberg's conventional level of moral reasoning?

Which of the following is NOT part of Kohlberg's conventional level of moral reasoning?

• A. Social contract orientation
• B. Good boy-nice girl orientation
• C. Society-maintaining orientation
• D. Instrument relativist orientation

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is how Kohlberg defines the conventional level of moral reasoning. At this level, thinking centers on conforming to social expectations and maintaining order and relationships within society. The two stages that fit this level are acting to gain approval from others (good boy–nice girl orientation) and upholding laws and social order (society-maintaining orientation). Instrumental relativist orientation, on the other hand, comes from the earlier preconventional stage. It’s driven by self-interest and reciprocal exchange—doing something because you expect a favor in return or personal gain, not because you’re conforming to social norms. That makes it not part of the conventional level. Social contract orientation belongs to the later postconventional level, where rules are weighed against broader principles and rights, not about ordinary social expectations. So, while both instrumental relativist and social contract orientations lie outside the conventional level, the classic distinction taught is that instrumental relativist orientation is the preconventional one, making it the best answer for not being part of the conventional level.

The main idea here is how Kohlberg defines the conventional level of moral reasoning. At this level, thinking centers on conforming to social expectations and maintaining order and relationships within society. The two stages that fit this level are acting to gain approval from others (good boy–nice girl orientation) and upholding laws and social order (society-maintaining orientation).

Instrumental relativist orientation, on the other hand, comes from the earlier preconventional stage. It’s driven by self-interest and reciprocal exchange—doing something because you expect a favor in return or personal gain, not because you’re conforming to social norms. That makes it not part of the conventional level.

Social contract orientation belongs to the later postconventional level, where rules are weighed against broader principles and rights, not about ordinary social expectations. So, while both instrumental relativist and social contract orientations lie outside the conventional level, the classic distinction taught is that instrumental relativist orientation is the preconventional one, making it the best answer for not being part of the conventional level.