Social Change Flashcards
When does social change occur?
When a society adopt a new belief or way of behaving which then becomes widely accepted as the norm
What are the four behavioural styles needed for minorities to influence others
Consistency/commitment
Confidence
Persuasiveness
Flexibility
Why are consistency and commitment so important?
Not only must individuals in the minority maintain their belief or attitude over time but there must also be consistency between members of a
minority group. Pre-existing research shows that any dissenter is likely to weaken the minority position
What is the importance of confidence
Confidence in the minority opinion sends the message to the majority that the position is a serious one which is not going to go away
What are two important factors involved in persuasiveness
Wider benefit to society and willingness to risk harm to themselves
Why is flexibility important
If a consistent minority are seen as inflexible rigid and uncompromising, they will be unlikely to change the views of the majority
What is the snowball effect?
The snowball effect is when minority views are consistent and gradually gain support from others
What is zeitgeist
When the culture is at a time where it is ready for a change to occur
Who conducted a psychological study using green and blue slides to show the importance of consistency
Moscovici
Who carried out an experiment on flexibility using a mock jury deciding on compensation for a victim of a ski lift accident?
Nemeth
How does F4J show a) consistency, b) persuasiveness, c) confidence and d)zeitgeist
A- 10 year old organisation with a consistent message.
B- uses specific examples of suffering children and fathers, emotive language and psychological research. They also risk arrest to themselves.
C- they perform stunts and dress up boldly as superheroes: there is no doubt that they are not ashamed or backing down.
D- high divorce rates give way to more fathers wanting more time with their children.
