What reasoning does a student use to justify breaking the dress code?

Rationalization is the reasoning used when an individual attempts to justify their behavior by providing seemingly logical reasons for actions that may actually be illogical or in conflict with societal norms. In the context of breaking the dress code, a student employing rationalization might come up with arguments such as "I express myself through my clothing" or "Everyone else is wearing similar things," which twist the situation to make it appear acceptable despite violating established rules.

This approach allows the student to alleviate any guilt or conflict associated with breaking the dress code by framing their choice in a positive light, even though the reality is that they are not adhering to the guidelines. Other reasoning types, such as excuse making or denial, may involve avoiding responsibility or failing to acknowledge the rules entirely, while blame shifting would involve attributing the fault to others rather than supporting a personal justification for the behavior.