Confromity Flashcards
Define conformity
Conformity: change in behavior or belief as a result of real or imagined pressure from others
What are the 2 reasons people conform
1) The need to know
2) The need to be accepted
Explain “the need to know: in comfornity
We use
1) Informational social influence and
2) multigenerational norms
to conform
Explain the use of “Informational social influence” in conforming
Accepting others interpretation of an ambitious reality in order to obtain accurate information
Explain the “need to be accepted” in conforming
Something we do things simply because we do not want to be the outcast, we use
NORMATIVE SOCIAL INFLUENCE
Explain “multigenerational norms” in conforming
We conform to norms due to it being the way things have been done in the past
Explain “Normative social influence” in conforming
Normative social influence: Conformity to other people in order to be liked and accepted by them
What are the 3 factors related to conformity
1) Nature of task
2) Individual differences
3) Group sizes
Explain how the nature of tasks relate to conformity
1) Ambiguity - information social influence (more likely to follow others when instructions unclear
2) Difficulty - More likely to conform when tasks are confusing and difficulty use social information to conform and to not see like an outsider
Explain how the individual differences relate to conformity
Conformity varies in different stages of lifespan
- High in childhood, peaks in adolescence, decreases in old age
Explain how the group sizes relate to conformity
Conformity increases as group size increases
Groups of 6-7 show conformity
What are the 2 ways to prevent ourself from following social norms
1) Being aware of normative influence: Once aware of norms, can make decision not to confirm to them
2) Take action: skepticism toward groups, even our own, resist norms established
What is the Idiosyncrasy credits
As you have more credit within a group, you have more permission to break conformity without punishment (ex. celebrities)
What are the 2 positive aspects of conformity
1) Conforming to basic social norms is required if we want to live in an orderly society
– Ex. driving on the right side of the road
2) Citizens are expected a certain level of conformity
– Ex. silencing your phones in lectures
How can minority influence break confomrity
Through consistency - queer people fought a long time to be seen as something that is not divient and wrong
