Factors Affecting Conformity and Obedience

Estimated time: 5 minutes

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Factors Affecting Conformity and Obedience

Privacy reduces conformity – When people give opinions secretly or alone, conformity decreases (e.g., secret voting).
Low group unity reduces conformity – If there is no “we-feeling” or group morale is low, obedience and conformity decrease.
Intelligence and reasoning reduce blind obedience – Rational and intelligent people question decisions before conforming.
Rigid or independent personality lowers conformity – Stubborn or independent-minded people may resist group pressure.
Lack of fear of punishment reduces obedience – If there is no penalty, people may not obey orders.
Moral, religious, or value conflict reduces conformity – People do not conform to decisions that go against their beliefs or principles.
Lack of loyalty, poor socialisation, or selfish motives affect conformity. When there is no belongingness or shared interest, conformity and obedience decrease.