What is conformity

fig 1. Relativity of conformity

The tendency of people to change their perceptions, opinions, and behavior in ways that are consistent with group norms. At first, you may deny the tendency to conform and, instead, declare your individuality. But think about it. People find it difficult to breach social norms. In one study in Social Psychology, research assistants were supposed to ask subway passengers to give up their seats-a conspicuous violation of the norm of the acceptable conduct. Many of the assistants could not carry out their assignment. In fact, some
of those who tried it became so anxious that they pretended to be ill just to make their request
seem justified.
Question:

When was the last time you showed up at a wedding, in blue jeans and a casual shirt?

References:
Conformity and Rebellion. (2010). Retrieved on October 19 2012, from http://english102wcc01.
blogspot.com/2010/04/essay-2-conformity-and-rebellion.html

Kassin, S., & Fein, S., et.al (2008). Social psychology. (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin

Normative influence

fig.2 Beware of conformity

Normative influence leads people to conform because they fear the consequences of appearing deviant. Early on, research showed that individuals who stray from a group's norm are often disliked, rejected, and ridiculed. These negative social reactions can be hard to take. In as series of controlled studies, people who were socially ostracized by being neglected, ignored, and excluded in a live or internet chatroom conversation- reacted by feeling hurt, angry, alone and lacking in self-esteem. We rely on our in-group support to enhance our self-esteem, however conforming to beliefs that do not correlate with our own beliefs is not the way.

Question:

Why does being ostracized hurt so much?

References:

Kassin, S., & Fein, S., et.al (2008). Social psychology. (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin

The hazard of conformity. (2009).  Retrieved on October 20 2012, from http://www.craigbellamy.net
/2009/04/11/the-hazard-of-conformity/

Assertiveness

fig.3 Be yourself

“I can admit it freely now. All my life I’ve been a patsy”. Many people find it difficult to assert themselves in interpersonal situations. When faced with a request they become anxious at the mere thought of putting the foot down and refusing to comply. According to Cialdini, being able to resist the pressure of compliance rests, first and foremost, on being vigilant. If a stranger hands you a gift and then launches into a sales pitch, you should recognize the tactic for what it is and not feel indebted by the norm of reciprocity. And if you strike a deal with a salesperson who later reneges on the terms, you should be aware that you're being thrown a low ball.

Question:
If you are making a business deal, and you have a price in mind, what is the tactic that you should use in order to make the bargain in mind?

References:
Conformity. (2011). Retrieved on October 20 2012 from, http://blog.lib.umn.edu/meriw007/
psy_1001/2011/12/conformity-1.php

Kassin, S., & Fein, S., et.al (2008). Social psychology. (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin

Greetings

Welcome to our class blog. Here we will share articles and ideas about conformity and peer pressure. The discussions will initiate with conformity in schools to later extend to ideas about how conformity is implemented in society. I will also post podcasts and interactive quizzes relating to the topic of conformity and how to break it.