Assignment 1 Discussion During Module 4

Assignment 1 Discussionduringmodule 4 We Examine Why Most People Ten

During Module 4, we examine why most people tend to conform in most of their social interactions, while others deviate from the existing social norms. After you have read the reading assignment and lecture for this module, please respond to all parts of the discussion by Saturday, February 4, 2017. Why do people sometimes feel that they need to socially conform to what is going on around them, even if they do not want to do so? How do the social institutions of our country (e.g., schools, the healthcare system, the economy, religious organizations) play a role in encouraging social conformity, as well as social deviance? In reviewing the following video “Solomon Asch’s Conformity Experiment Today,” describe why the individuals in the Asch experiment usually gave the same answer when they probably knew that it was wrong. Remember to respond to the posts of at least two other students in the class. Complete your participation for this assignment by Tuesday, February 7, 2017.

Paper For Above instruction

The tendency of individuals to conform to social norms is a complex phenomenon rooted in human psychological and social processes. Conformity is often driven by the innate human desire for acceptance and belonging, which compels individuals to align their behaviors and opinions with those of the group, even when such conformity conflicts with personal beliefs. This innate drive is accompanied by social pressures and norms that subtly or overtly influence individual decisions, creating a social environment where conformity is often perceived as necessary for social harmony and personal safety.

People feel the need to conform for several reasons, including the desire for social acceptance, fear of rejection, and the need to maintain social order. Social acceptance provides individuals with a sense of security and community, which is fundamental to human emotional well-being. As social creatures, humans have evolved to seek approval from peers and authority figures, which often results in conforming behaviors even when individuals privately disagree (Asch, 1951). The fear of rejection can be particularly compelling; individuals may conform to avoid social exclusion or alienation, which threaten their emotional safety. Furthermore, social norms established by institutions help reinforce desirable societal behaviors and discourage deviance, creating an environment where conformity appears to be the natural or expected response (Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004).

> The influence of social institutions like schools, the healthcare system, the economy, and religious organizations plays a significant role in fostering conformity. Schools often promote conformity through structured rules, collective discipline, and peer influence to ensure a cohesive learning environment. These institutions emphasize uniform behaviors and attitudes, which solidify social norms early in life. The healthcare system can promote conformity by circulating health-related norms and expectations, such as vaccination and healthy lifestyles, which influence individual choices to align with societal standards of health (Davidson, 2009). Similarly, economic systems encourage conformity through market behaviors, employment expectations, and consumer habits that promote stability and predictability. Religious organizations often reinforce social norms by emphasizing shared moral values and prescribed behaviors, fostering community cohesion and conformity for spiritual and social reasons (Durkheim, 1912).

> The same social institutions can also encourage deviance by challenging or redefining norms. For example, social movements led by religious or civil rights groups often push for changes that deviate from traditional norms, diversifying societal beliefs and behaviors. Conversely, the social pressure from institutions can reinforce conformity to maintain social cohesion, which can suppress individual dissent and promote uniformity. The balance of these influences determines the social fabric’s overall stability and flexibility, allowing societies to adapt or resist change as necessary.

> Analyzing Solomon Asch’s conformity experiment reveals why individuals often agree with the majority, even when they know their answer may be wrong. In the experiment, participants conformed to a group's incorrect answer due to normative influence—the desire to be accepted and liked by others—and informational influence—the belief that the group might be right, especially in ambiguous situations. The pressure to conform was so strong that participants often gave the same incorrect answers as the group, demonstrating the powerful pull of social conformity (Asch, 1951). These findings highlight how social pressure, group dynamics, and the human need for social approval can override individual judgment, leading people to behave in ways contrary to their own perceptions of reality.

> Understanding these mechanisms underscores the importance of social influence and the environment in shaping individual behavior. It also emphasizes the necessity of fostering critical thinking and independent judgment, especially in settings where conformity might lead to harmful outcomes. Resistance to social conformity, while challenging, is vital for personal integrity and societal progress, encouraging diversity of thought and innovation. Recognizing the factors that promote conformity can help in designing social, educational, and organizational strategies that balance societal cohesion with individual autonomy.

In conclusion, social conformity is deeply embedded in human nature and societal structures. It is driven by the innate desire for acceptance and the influence of social institutions, which shape behaviors and norms in ways that promote social stability. While conformity can serve beneficial roles, fostering cohesion and order, it also has the potential to suppress individuality and dissent. Understanding the psychological and sociological underpinnings of conformity, exemplified through experiments like Solomon Asch’s, provides insight into the complex interplay between individual agency and social influence, which is essential in fostering a more conscious and critically aware society.

References

• Asch, S. E. (1951). Effects of group pressure on the modification and distortion of judgments. In H. Guetzkow (Ed.), Groups, leadership, and men; research in human relations (pp. 177–190). Carnegie Press.
• Cialdini, R. B., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). Social influence: Compliance and conformity. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 591-621.
• Davidson, G. (2009). Social institutions and health behaviors. Sociology of Health & Illness, 31(4), 423-439.
• Durkheim, É. (1912). The elementary forms of the religious life. Oxford University Press.
• Hogg, M. A., & Vaughan, G. M. (2018). Social psychology (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Kelman, H. C. (1958). Processes of opinion change. Public Opinion Quarterly, 22(1), 47-62.
• Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioral study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371-378.
• Shannon, C., & Weaver, W. (1949). The mathematical theory of communication. University of Illinois Press.
• Swami, V. (2018). Social influence and conformity. In V. Swami (Ed.), The Psychology of Social Influence (pp. 33-55). Wiley.
• Weinstein, N. D. (2011). Human motivation and social influence. Annual Review of Psychology, 62, 89-114.