The term social conformity is often used to indicate an agreement to the majority of the position and desire to fit in, liked, desire to be correct or simply to conform to a social role. The word came from the Latin word, “Complere” which means to “fulfil” or “accomplish.”

Examples of social conformity

Here are some examples of social conformity you can see around in your daily life:

• A man in a crowd disagrees with the crowd inside, but to avoid persecution, agrees with the crowd when asked.
• Someone does not know the answer to a question, so ends up saying what the rest of the crowd says due to lack of the knowledge.
• A student changing their clothing to fit what is expected of them by society at a school dance and many more…

Reasons behind social conformity

People socially conform to group norms and indefinite values due to several reasons. Some of them are as follows:

• Desired to be included in a group
• Fear of social rejection
• Fear of losing social regard
• Feeling of safety that comes from following all the society norms
• Fear of feeling outcast
• Need for identification
• Bringing unanimity in group discussions
• Need of Acceptance and Admiration from society
• Avoid conflicts and disagreement
• Establishing one’s social standing
• Fear of appearing foolish in front of others

Factors of social conformity

Several factors influence social conformity are mentioned below:

Group size:

Larger groups 6 lead to stronger conformity pressure, as individuals feel a heightened need to align with the majority.

Unanimity:

Conformity increases with group unanimity, minimizing dissenting opinions and fostering doubt.

Group cohesion:

Greater emotional bonds amplify conformity as individuals strive for group harmony.

Social status:

Higher-status groups induce more conformity due to perceived credibility.

Culture:

Collectivist cultures emphasize conformity, while individualistic cultures prioritize autonomy.

Ambiguity:

Conformity rises in ambiguous situations lacking clear guidance.

Public vs Private response:

Public responses boost conformity for social approval, private responses reduce it.

Lower self-esteem:

Lower self -esteem increases conformity, higher self-esteem can resist it.

Study and Theories

Study:

Several experiments were conducted to study the nature of social conformity and the way it affects the mindset of people who experience it. 

If an individual is influenced the majority and becomes compliant to others, this is known as conforming. Kelman (1958) argued that there are three types of conformity: internalization, compliance and identification.

 A study by Sherif (1935) tested the effects of informational social influence and conformity. Later on, Asch (1951) conducted a research study looking at the effects of normative social influence and conformity on individuals.

Zimbardo (1973) studied conformity to social roles in order to demonstrate how certain roles have behaviors expected from society. These studies demonstrate how an individual may behave due to social influence in a set up environment that can then be related to real world situations.

Sherif (1935) researched whether an individual can be influenced by others when doing an ambiguous task, one where the answer is not always clear. He conducted a laboratory experiment and used the autokinetic effect where a light appeared to be moving, but really it was a visual illusion. 

Theories

Social psychology distinguishes between two reasons for conformity. Informational conformity occurs when one adopts the view of others because others are assumed to possess more knowledge about the situation. Normative conformity refers to the act of conforming to the positive expectations of others in order to be liked and accepted by them.

How to prevent yourself?

Self-Awareness

Recognize when you’re conforming. Reflect on your thoughts, actions, and choices. Ask yourself if you’re doing something just because others are.

Question Assumptions

Challenge societal norms and assumptions. Why do we follow certain rules? Are they truly beneficial or just tradition?

Individuality:

Celebrate your uniqueness. Embrace your quirks, interests, and passions. Remember that being different is a strength.

Critical Thinking:

Analyze information independently. Don’t blindly accept what others say. Investigate, research, and form your own opinions.

Courage

It takes courage to swim against the current. Be brave enough to express your authentic self, even if it means standing alone.

Surround Yourself with Diverse Perspectives:

Engage with people from various backgrounds. Exposure to different viewpoints helps break conformity.

Set Personal Goals:

Define your own path. What matters to you? Pursue your dreams, not society’s expectations.

Mostly faced by These People

Adolescents and Young Adults

Peer pressure often drives social conformity among teenagers and young adults. They may conform to fit in with their friends or classmates.

Employees in the Workplace:

Workplace culture and norms can lead to conformity. Employees may adjust their behavior to align with company expectations.

Social Media Users

The influence of social media encourages conformity. People may conform to trends, follow influencers, and seek validation through likes and comments.

Cultural and Religious Communities:

Cultural norms and religious practices dictate how individuals should behave. Conforming to these expectations is common.

Fashion Enthusiasts

The fashion industry thrives on conformity. People often adopt the latest trends to feel accepted.

Group Settings

Groupthink can lead to conformity. Individuals may suppress dissenting opinions to maintain harmony within a group.

Consumers

Advertisements and marketing campaigns encourage conformity by promoting products as essential for social acceptance.