Question

How is compliance related to conformity? Explain

Short answer

Compliance and conformity are both aspects of social influence, which cause changes in someone's behavior or beliefs. However, compliance involves changing behavior in response to an open request, while conformity involves adjusting one's behavior or beliefs to align with the standards or norms of a group.

Step-by-step solution

Define Compliance

Compliance refers to a change in behavior based on consequences. It involves individuals going along with peers or an authority without necessarily considering what is being asked. It's a type of social influence where an individual does something they might not normally do, to fit into a group or satisfy expectations.

Define Conformity

Conformity, on the other hand, refers to a change in behavior brought about by other people; it involves changing behavior to fit in with the group, without any explicit request. So, essentially, conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group.

Explain the Relationship

Both compliance and conformity involve changes in an individual's behavior in the presence of others, often to fit in or get along. However, compliance is typically a response to explicit requests or instructions, while conformity involves changing one's behavior or beliefs to align with group norms, often in an unspoken and implicit manner.

Key concepts

Compliance

Compliance is a form of social influence where an individual changes their behavior in response to a direct request. It's all about going along with peers or authority figures.
Maybe you find yourself doing something you wouldn't usually do because you want to fit in or meet expectations.

• For example, a worker might stay late at the office because their boss expects it.
• Here, there's an explicit request or expectation that leads to a behavior change.

Compliance can happen even if you don't personally agree with the action you're taking. Often, people comply to avoid negative consequences or gain some form of reward.

Conformity

Conformity, unlike compliance, doesn't require a direct request. Instead, it involves changing your behavior to blend in with a group.
It's a more subtle form of social influence.

• This could mean dressing similarly to your peers or adopting similar viewpoints.
• Conformity happens almost automatically as a way to align with social norms.

Conformity often stems from the human desire to be accepted by others. We change or modify our behavior and beliefs to feel like part of the crowd. This change is typically more implicit and can occur without us even realizing it.

Behavior Change

Behavior change is a common theme in both compliance and conformity. Both result in altering individual actions, but the motives and pathways can be different.

• Compliance involves following orders or requests, often to achieve a direct benefit or to avoid a negative outcome.
• Conformity, however, is more about fitting in and feeling part of the social fabric.

Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing why we might change our behaviors around others, whether it's due to overt influences like compliance or more subtle ones like conformity. Ultimately, both play a significant role in how we interact socially and are crucial for maintaining harmony and understanding within groups.