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This content has been automatically translated from Ukrainian.
What is Conformity?
Conformism <TAG1> is a phenomenon where a person changes their behavior, views, opinions, or values to meet group norms or expectations, even if they conflict with their own beliefs. This is a kind of adaptation to the majority or to an authoritative figure in the group.
In simple words, conformism — is when you do something because «is what everyone» does, or because you are afraid to stand out, be judged or rejected by a group.
Why Do We Obey?
The phenomenon of conformity has deep psychological roots. There are several key reasons why people are prone to it:
- One of the strongest driving forces is the desire to be accepted. We strive for social acceptance and belonging. The fear of being excluded, ridiculed or judged makes us adjust.
- In new, complex, or ambiguous situations where we are unsure how to proceed, we often rely on the behavior of others, believing that most know better.
- People obey group norms to avoid negative consequences, such as criticism, disapproval, or lack of support.
- Sometimes we really believe that the group has more accurate information or a better understanding of the situation, which forces us to change our own thoughts.
- A person agrees with the group to meet the expectations of others and gain approval, rather than out of deep inner conviction.
Two Faces of Conformity
Psychologists distinguish between two main types of conformity, which manifest themselves in different ways:
1. External conformity (concessional)
In this case, the person changes his behavior publicly to match the group, but internally stands by his opinion. This is a tactic to avoid conflict or attract too much attention. For example, you may disagree with your colleagues' idea of a project, but you will remain silent so as not to spoil the relationship.
2. Internal conformity (acceptance)
Here, change occurs not only at the level of behavior, but also at the level of internal beliefs. A person sincerely accepts the views and values of a group as his own, often because he is convinced of the rightness of the group or seeks to fully identify with it. For example, you were initially skeptical about the new corporate culture, but over time you fully accepted its principles as your own.
Conformity in Our Lives
Manifestations of conformity can be observed everywhere:
- People can buy certain clothes or accessories not because they really like it, but because «is what everyone does, and that's » in trend«.
- What we publish, how we interact, and what opinions we express on social networks is often shaped by the «accepted» norms in our communities.
- Employees can agree with the decisions of management or colleagues, even with doubts, to maintain career prospects.
- Citizens can support a certain political position because it is supported by the majority of their environment or by the media authoritative for them.
Pros and Cons of Conformity
Like any social phenomenon, conformity has its positive and negative sides.
Positive aspects:
Shared values and norms help people feel belonging to a group, creating a sense of unity and mutual support. When people follow similar rules of behavior, communication and cooperation become much easier. It helps to maintain order and stability in society.
Negative aspects:
Conformity encourages the loss of one's own thought and ability to think critically. People you target may be wrong, and this will lead you to support wrong, irrational, or dangerous decisions simply by following the majority (a phenomenon known as «groupthink»). In addition, if everyone follows the same path and is afraid to make their own decisions, it will inhibit innovation, change and development of society.
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