हिंदी

Concept of Conformity - Conformity to Social Norms

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Topics

Estimated time: 17 minutes
  • Reasons for Conforming to Social Norms
  • Unhealthy Social Norms & the Need for Change
  • Social Influence Processes
  • Reasons for Temporary Divergence from Conformity
  • Conformity vs. Non-Conformity
  • Solomon Asch (1952) on Conformity
  • Key Points: Conformity to Social Norms
CISCE: Class 12

Reasons for Conforming to Social Norms

  • People conform because they are afraid of society's disapproval or rejection.
  • Norms get introjected into personality through the process of socialisation.
  • People easily yield to suggestion and persuasion from others.
CISCE: Class 12

Unhealthy Social Norms & the Need for Change

  • Some norms are bad for health — e.g., extreme slimness or overweight as body image norms.
  • A medically recommended normal weight should be followed, not social perception.
  • Health specialists and psychologists condemn unhealthy social norms and call for change.
  • Health problems in society are linked to lifestyles – harmful lifestyles must be changed.
  • Change should be gradual, not sudden or too fast.
  • Bad norms must be brought to the notice of those who follow them and condemned by all sections of society.
  • Mass media—both electronic and print—should spread awareness about good norms.
  • Health is wealth — norms promoting good mental and physical health must be widely followed.
CISCE: Class 12

Social Influence Processes

  • Social influence changes a person's behaviour, attitude, and personality traits.
  • Persuasion means changing attitudes through argument and communication.
  • Conformity means adjusting behaviour to match social norms.
  • Compliance means publicly going along with a request or norm.
  • Obedience means following direct orders from a person in authority.
CISCE: Class 12

Reasons for Temporary Divergence from Conformity

  • Conformity in one situation does not guarantee conformity in another.
  • Norms of the outgroup are never conformed to—only ingroup norms are followed.
  • Divergence occurs when norms clash with one's own culture or ingroup standards.
  • Norms that fail to meet personal needs or motives are not followed.
  • Independent-minded persons refuse norms that go against their values and dignity.
  • In such cases, the norm acts as a negative reference rather than a guide.
  • Divergence is mostly temporary — the person returns to conformity when the situation changes.
  • A habitual non-conformist who opposes everything without reason is not liked by any group.
CISCE: Class 12

Conformity vs. Non-Conformity

  • The line between conformity and non-conformity is thin and relative.
  • A person can be a conformist in one situation and a non-conformist in another.
  • Non-conformity is largely determined by external factors, not fixed personality traits.
  • Independent-minded people decide for themselves and may become independent of the group entirely.
  • Thoughtful non-conformity based on reason and values reflects intellectual independence.
CISCE: Class 12

Solomon Asch (1952) on Conformity

  • Asch is one of the most important thinkers in the study of conformity behaviour.
  • He viewed intellectual dependence on society as one of the major moral dilemmas of modern times.
  • He believed that independence and refusal to bend to social pressure have deep personal and social significance.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Conformity to Social Norms

  • People conform to social norms due to their fear of social disapproval, socialisation, and persuasion.
  • Some norms can be unhealthy, so harmful norms should be gradually changed and healthier ones promoted.
  • Social influences change behaviour and attitudes through persuasion, conformity, compliance, and obedience.
  • People may temporarily diverge from norms when they conflict with personal values or needs.
  • Conformity and non-conformity are relative, and a person may show both in different situations.
  • Solomon Asch (1952) emphasised the importance of independence and resisting social pressure.

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