Of course, these two types should be thought of as the end points of a continuum with most people falling between the extremes. Regardless of morality type, each individual develops and maintains an identity and reputation both of which will contribute to the definition of their character. The underlying foundation for moral development is knowledge of the rules . Knowledge of the rules is evident in one's ability to state what the rules are and in the ability to discern the situations in which a rule applies and what response is indicated by the rule in that situation, i.e., moral judgment . Knowledge of the rules and moral judgment are both necessary for the development of self-control.
Socialization relates to the extent to which one considers the rules binding upon oneself.
A sense of commitment to the rules of one's culture and social affiliations, e.g., family and school, is indicated by voluntary compliance with the rules. When this is observed, it is sometimes described as internalization of the rules. While the highly socialized who have not developed empathy tend to be overly conforming to authority and rigidly compliant with rules, the unsocialized are egocentric, impulsive and undisciplined. It means being able to see a situation as someone else sees it, particularly when it is a perspective different from one's own. Empathetic perception is necessary before one can understand the implications of one's actions on other people.