We Examine Why Most People Tend To Conform

We Examine Why Most People Tend To Conform In Most Of Their Social Int

We examine why most people tend to conform in most of their social interactions, while others deviate from the existing social norms. 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.

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Social conformity is a pervasive aspect of human behavior that influences individuals' actions in various social contexts. It refers to the tendency of individuals to align their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors with those of a group, often to gain acceptance or avoid social rejection. Understanding why people conform is essential for comprehending social dynamics and the functioning of societal institutions. Several psychological, social, and institutional factors contribute to this phenomenon.

Primarily, psychological mechanisms such as normative social influence and informational social influence underpin conformity. Normative influence arises from the desire to be liked and accepted by others. Individuals often conform to social norms to maintain harmony and avoid disapproval or ostracism. For example, in a classroom setting, a student might agree with a group's incorrect answer to avoid standing out or being judged negatively. Informational influence occurs when people look to others’ behaviors as a guide, especially in ambiguous situations, believing that the group might possess better information. This tendency fosters conformity because individuals assume the group's judgment is correct, even when it contradicts their own perceptions or knowledge (Asch, 1951; Cialdini & Goldstein, 2004).

Social institutions such as schools, healthcare systems, religious organizations, and economic structures play significant roles in promoting conformity. Schools enforce obedience and adherence to established rules through disciplinary systems and standardized curricula, shaping students' acceptance of societal norms. Healthcare systems, often emphasizing compliance with medical advice and health behaviors, reinforce conformity to health standards. Religious organizations promote moral codes and practices that expect obedience from their members, fostering conformity within communities. Economic systems encourage conformity through norms related to employment, consumption, and social mobility, influencing individuals to adopt behaviors deemed necessary for economic success (Freidson, 1970; Durkheim, 1912).

Conversely, these institutions can also be sites of deviance, challenging social norms and fostering non-conformist behaviors when rules are perceived as unjust or oppressive. For example, civil rights movements and protests against economic inequality exemplify deviance in response to institutional conformity pressures. Yet, overall, these institutions tend strongly to reinforce societal norms to maintain social order.

The famous experiment conducted by Solomon Asch in the 1950s exemplifies the power of conformity. Participants were asked to match line lengths in a group setting, where confederates intentionally provided incorrect answers. Most real participants conformed to the group's wrong choice at least once, despite knowing the correct answer, due to social pressure and the desire to fit in. The experiment demonstrated that individuals often prioritize social harmony over their own perceptions, even when they are aware that the group is wrong.

Asch’s findings reveal that individuals are susceptible to social influence because of the fear of social disapproval, the desire to be accepted, and the pressure to conform to group norms. When faced with unanimous group opinions, many participants doubted their own perceptions but still conformed to avoid conflict or rejection. This behavior showcases the powerful influence of group dynamics and peer pressure in shaping individual responses, even against one's own judgments (Asch, 1951).

In conclusion, conformity in social interactions is driven by a complex interplay of psychological motives, societal expectations, and institutional influences. While conformity can promote social cohesion and order, it also has the potential to suppress individual judgment and promote wrongful behaviors. The Asch experiment vividly illustrates how social pressure can lead individuals to conform, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing the factors that influence conformity in society.

References

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