Conformity and Non-Conformity Flashcards
DEVIANCE
individual/group chooses to reject the prevailing social norms. values,beliefs, attitudes are different from majority = result in behaviours that differ from socially accepted norms.
SELF-CONCEPT
composed of the various identities, attitudes, beliefs and values an individual holds about themselves - defines themself ‘the self’
SOCIAL COGNITION
encoding, storage, retrieval and processing of information in an individual’s mind
SOCIAL COHESION
society works together to achieve high levels of wellbeing for all members and when individuals/groups cooperate due to similar values, beliefs, attitudes
STEREOTYPE
preconceived view of the characteristics of a group held by individuals who are not members of that group. usually negative, generalised, inflexible + ignore differences that exist between members
“all the same” - different levels of conformity to traditional beliefs
VALUES
deeply held ideas and beliefs that guide our thinking, language and behaviour. difference in values exist among groups + can be challenged
WORLDVIEW
particular philosophy of life or conception of the world that is characterised by an organised and accepted set of ideas that attempts to explain the social, cultural and psychological world
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE CONFORMITY
Age (greater need during adolescence) Attractiveness of group Size of group Difficulty of task The consensus in Ethical/Moral Standards
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE OBEDIENCE
Identifiability (personal details recorded/tracked) Proximity Punishment Status Rewards
ACQUIESCENCE
compliance, reluctant to conform
change in behaviour not attitude (only lasts as long as reward does)
influenced by peer pressure (please members/avoid conflict) - acquiescing levels influenced by the attractiveness of group
INTERNALISATION
modify behaviour if they feel group is right (informational conformity)
adopt opinions, behaviours + actions of group
linked to socialisation
IDENTIFICATION
acquiesce in order to attain characteristics of the members in a group (attractiveness of group)
individuals are characterised as groups, generalised as homogenous and then characteristics of this group are internalised
SOCIAL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF NONCONFORMITY (WIDER COMMUNITY)
COSTS:
Disruption of social order and social control leading
to social dislocation and exclusion of some groups
The marginality of some groups and unequal access to
resources
BENEFITS:
Clarifies social norms and makes boundaries more
obvious, causing society to define, adjust and
reaffirm social norms (Civil Rights Movement)
Seeks to celebrate differences within society, e.g. the
Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade
SOCIAL COSTS AND BENEFITS OF NONCONFORMITY (INDIVIDUAL)
COSTS:
Erodes trust between family members and peers
Stigmatisation, such as in the case of gender
nonconformists (Victimisation)
BENEFITS:
Individual identity can be expressed openly and freely
Recognition that one person has the power to
make a significant change, e.g. Rosa Parks (CRM)
IMPACT OF AGENDA SETTING ON ATTITUDE FORMATION
the demonisation and dehumanisation of some groups, such as asylum seekers. This has
happened during significant news coverage that is disproportionate to the issue at hand.
the salience of issues influences observable group behaviours. For example, if bikies are
featuring prominently in the news, the general public tends to be more alert and aware of
anyone wearing the stereotypical leathers, displaying tattoos and riding a motorbike.
