Question

Give an example of a way you show conformity.

Short answer

Conformity is demonstrated when adjusting behavior to fit in with a group or societal norm. For example, keeping quiet in a library, not because of explicit rules, but because it's the accepted behavior among others in that situation.

Step-by-step solution

Define Conformity

Conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group. This change in belief or behavior could either be explicit, where the person actively changes their behavior to fit in, or implicit, where the person subconsciously changes their behavior upon observing others.

Formulate a Situation

Imagine a situation where you are with a group of friends in a library. Everyone is quiet, reading or studying. Given the location and nature of the activity, the accepted norm is to be quiet and not disturb others.

Demonstrate Conformity

Even though no one has explicitly asked you to be quiet, you naturally lower your voice, or avoid talking entirely, to match the behavior of those around you. This adjustment in behavior to fit the norms of the group and location is an example of conformity.

Key concepts

Social Influence

Social influence is a powerful force that affects how we think, feel, and behave. It determines how we act in social situations and encourages us to adapt to our surroundings. Social influence can come from friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers.

There are different types of social influence, including:

• Informational Influence: People conform because they believe others have more accurate information or insight.
• Normative Influence: This occurs when people conform to achieve social acceptance or avoid social ridicule.
• Peer Pressure: Often seen in groups or among adolescents, peer pressure can cause a person to act in ways they might not originally intend, just to fit in.

Being aware of these influences helps us understand why individuals might change their behavior or beliefs. Recognizing these forces enables us to make more informed decisions about whether we should conform or maintain our individuality.

Behavioral Change

Behavioral change refers to the modification of an individual's actions in response to internal or external stimuli. Conformity often leads to changes in behavior, which can be conscious or unconscious.

When people conform, they might change their actions to fit into a social setting or adopt new behaviors to adhere to group norms. This change can happen in different ways:

• Spontaneous Change: Occurs naturally, like laughing in a group because everyone finds something funny.
• Planned Change: When individuals consciously decide to change their behavior to join a group or to adhere to societal expectations, like adopting fashion trends.
• Temporary Change: Adjusting behavior temporarily when in a specific social context, such as maintaining silence in libraries.

Understanding behavioral change helps us analyze why people might act differently in various settings and recognize the underlying social mechanisms at play.

Group Norms

Group norms are the implicit or explicit rules that govern the behavior of individuals within a group. These norms dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable within a social circle or society at large. They can significantly impact how individuals choose to act in different environments.

Some characteristics of group norms include:

• Establishment: Norms are often formed based on the behaviors of influential members or collective agreements within the group.
• Stability: Once established, norms tend to remain stable over time, although they can evolve.
• Enforcement: Groups may enforce norms through social rewards for conformity and punishment for deviance.

Understanding group norms gives insight into why people adapt certain behaviors, like maintaining quiet in a library. It also explains how norms encourage uniformity and cohesion within a group, reinforcing the idea that members should align their actions accordingly.