The development of pragmatic and non-pragmatic motivation

Journal/Book: Hum Develop. 1995; 38: Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland. Karger. 217-234.

Abstract: A model of two different types of human motivation - pragmatic and non-pragmatic - is proposed. The two have a common metatheoretical foundation in a rationalist world view. Within the rationalist framework, however, two opposing conceptions exist - humans as machines and humans as the causal source of their own behavior. Each of these conceptions dictates a particular research approach to the study of motivation. Pragmatic motivation, rooted in the human-as-machine tradition, typically manifests itself in the form of deviations from behavioral norms and is based in an individual's primary needs; it is subject to modification through various forms of conditioning. Nonpragmatic motivation, rooted in a contrasting, agentive conception of human beings? typically manifests itself through normative behavior. It is mediated by characteristics such as moral self-esteem and empathy and can be fostered in children by means of a democratic style of social interaction. The model is illustrated by experimental studies of normative and deviating behavior in preschool-aged children in both the former Soviet Union and Western cultures.

Note: Article E Subbotsky, Univ Lancaster, Dept Psychol, Lancaster LA1 4YF, England

Keyword(s): autonomy; conformity; democratic interaction style; deviation; morality; motivation; non-pragmatic; pragmatic; BEHAVIOR

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