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Essay 2instructionstimes New Roman12 Pt Fontdouble Spaced5 Full

Essay #2 Instructions: Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, Double spaced, 5 FULL pages Cite sources if you use them. Reflecting on the reading's and class discussions. Pick 2 of the following to answer: Describe two types of conformity and provide three examples. In what ways does the Boise State University stratify students, provide 2-3 examples. Describe the inequalities between gender? What the main idea of generational equity?

Paper For Above instruction

Conformity, the act of aligning one’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to a group standard, plays a significant role in shaping individual actions and societal norms. It manifests in various forms, predominantly as normative conformity and informational conformity. Understanding these types offers insights into social dynamics and individual decision-making.

Types of Conformity

Normative conformity occurs when individuals conform to group expectations to be accepted or liked, often suppressing personal beliefs or preferences. An example of normative conformity can be observed in classroom settings where students might agree with a teacher’s opinions publicly to gain approval, even if they privately disagree. A second example is peer pressure among adolescents to conform to certain fashion trends or behaviors to fit in within peer groups. A third instance involves employees mimicking the corporate culture and practices to maintain job security and positive workplace relationships, even if these practices conflict with personal values.

Informational conformity, on the other hand, arises when individuals accept information from others as evidence about reality, especially in ambiguous situations. For example, in unfamiliar social settings, individuals may look to others for cues on how to behave, such as during emergencies where crowd behavior influences individual responses. Another example is in jury deliberations, where jurors may rely heavily on the majority opinion under the belief that collective judgment is more accurate. A third example involves consumers trusting online reviews and testimonials when making purchasing decisions, often relying on peer information to reduce uncertainty.

Stratification at Boise State University

Boise State University, like many higher education institutions, exhibits stratification, which refers to the unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges among students. One key way stratification manifests is through socioeconomic disparities. Students from higher-income families often have access to better preparatory education and extracurricular activities, giving them an advantage in admissions and academic preparedness. A second example involves disparities in access to internships and research opportunities, which are often linked to a student’s social network or financial capacity, thereby marginalizing less privileged students. A third dimension of stratification can be seen in the differential treatment of students based on their academic standing or background, such as prioritizing students from more privileged backgrounds or those with higher academic achievements for scholarships and leadership positions.

Gender Inequalities

Gender inequality manifests across various spheres, including employment, education, and social expectations. Women, historically and contemporaneously, have faced disparities in income, with research showing women earn less than men for comparable roles (Blau & Kahn, 2017). Additionally, women are underrepresented in STEM fields and leadership positions, highlighting systemic barriers rooted in social and cultural norms. These inequalities are perpetuated through stereotypical gender roles that associate women with caregiving and domestic responsibilities, limiting their participation in high-paying careers. Conversely, men often encounter societal pressures that discourage emotional expression and emphasize dominance, reinforcing traditional masculinity norms that can impact mental health and social relationships (Connell, 2005).

Understanding Generational Equity

Generational equity refers to the fairness in the distribution of resources, opportunities, and responsibilities across different generations. It emphasizes the need to balance current development with the preservation of resources for future generations. The main idea is that policies and actions today should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs (OECD, 2011). This concept is especially pertinent in addressing environmental sustainability, where excessive resource consumption by current generations threatens the well-being of future populations. For example, investing in renewable energy and sustainable development practices exemplifies efforts to promote generational equity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding types of conformity such as normative and informational conformity helps explain individual behavior within social groups. Recognizing how Boise State University stratifies students reveals the broader social inequalities present in higher education, linked to socioeconomic status and access to opportunities. Gender inequalities continue to persist, influencing economic, social, and cultural domains. Finally, the notion of generational equity underscores the importance of sustainable and fair resource distribution to ensure the well-being of both current and future societies. By critically examining these issues, individuals and institutions can work towards more inclusive and equitable social frameworks.

References

• Blau, F. D., & Kahn, L. M. (2017). The Gender Wage Gap: Extent, Trends, and Causes. Journal of Economic Literature, 55(3), 789-865.
• Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities. University of California Press.
• OECD. (2011). Towards Gender Equality in Education, Training and Jobs. OECD Publishing.
• Asch, S. E. (1956). Studies of social influence: A minority of one against a unanimous majority. Psychological Review, 63(3), 297–302.
• Kelman, H. C. (1958). Compliance, identification, and internalization: Three processes of attitude change. Journal of Conflict Resolution, 2(1), 51-60.
• Hirschman, A. O. (1970). Exit, Voice, and Loyalty. Harvard University Press.
• Festinger, L. (1957). A theory of cognitive dissonance. Stanford University Press.
• Giuliano, P., & Khan, M. E. (2014). Gender differences in economic and social behaviors: Evidence from a natural experiment. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 28(2), 99-123.
• McLeod, J., & Pillemer, J. (2013). Conformity and social influence. In Handbook of Socialization Theory and Research. Sage Publications.
• Thibaut, J., & Kelley, H. (1959). The Social Psychology of Groups. Wiley.