The research presented in this essay is grounded in Social Domain Theory. Research provides substantial evidence that children's social development is characterized by the formation of distinctly different systems of thought, including those in the moral, social-conventional, and personal domains. A main focus here is on morality, defined as…

Cultures include a combination of shared and contested understandings. Although individuals may identify with their culture, they are also critical of practices judged unfair. Cultural practices that privilege one group and restrict the practices of another are sources of conflict and change. (Author)

Psychologists tend to proclaim that their favored theoretical approach is the wave of the future that will replace existing paradigms. Typically, these proclamations, dating back to the early part of the 20th century, include the assertion that the new ideas will be resisted. However, opposing perspectives are often proclaimed to be the wave of…

Argues that resistance and subversion are part of life and integral to development in most cultures. Notes that many theories of social and moral development do not account for resistance or view it as anti-social. Demonstrates that social conflict and resistance based on moral aims occur in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. (CAJ)