The Socialization of Aggression in Five-Year-Old Boys

Summary

Studies of the relationship between child-rearing and moral development have been represented as supporting cognitive theories of the moral development process. These data have been misinterpreted, since cognitive developmental theory assumes the objective status of moral properties. The significance of the child-rearing studies is re-examined (Ss were 70 mothers and their five-year-old sons) through the application of a new conceptualization of “reasoning” to a study of the relationship between child-rearing and aggression-anxiety in five-year-old boys. In contrast to the notion that different types of moral view have different logical structures, empirical support is offered for the thesis that the difference between the “liberal” conscience and the “authoritarian” conscience reflects a difference in defenses against hostile impulses.