Why is conformity so desirable? This article will explain why conformity is beneficial and what it’s costing us. Social influence strengthens social bonds. But does it also stifle our freedom and growth? The answer to these questions depends on the type of behavior we seek. In this article, we’ll examine some of the most common reasons we behave in a certain way. Here are some examples of what conformity is, and how it impacts us.
Social influence
The social forces that influence behavior can be explained in several ways. One of these is the role of group norms. For example, if a group of people was asked to estimate the number of beans in a jar, their answers would generally be the same as those given by other individuals. This demonstrates the influence of the majority, but it can also be explained by personal characteristics, such as self-esteem. Here are a few examples of social influence on behavior.
While neuroscience is only beginning to develop substantive research, functional neuroimaging is showing promise in the study of social influence and conformity. Knowledge of brain regions involved in social influence and conformity can constrain existing psychological models and help formulate novel ones. It can also help us understand the precise cognitive processes that are involved in these behaviors. But for now, these findings are only a small part of the overall story of social influence. The next steps are to understand how the social influences we experience on others influence our brains.
Strengthens social bonds
Historically, marriage has been associated with lower rates of crime, incarceration, and other social problems. However, in recent years, the role of marriage has changed, with an increase in cohabitation prior to marriage and remarriage, as well as widespread divorce and postponement of parenthood. Today, however, fewer people are married than ever before. The corresponding trend of single parents, postponed parenthood, and divorce has also increased. Despite this increase in social bonding, evidence of social bonds has been found.
Recent research shows that social bonds are a significant predictor of offending among emerging adults. Moreover, these bonds are correlated with a reduced rate of crime in older generations. While the traditional turning points have been implicated in reducing crime, the role of social bonds in shaping criminal behavior remains unclear. While the traditional turning points of life have a protective role, new studies have suggested that social bonds may play a key role in reducing criminal behavior.
Impairs growth
According to a recent article in the American Economic Review, “Conformity impairs growth” is a psychological problem that affects both individuals and groups. Its causes are numerous and complex. According to the author, the problem can be attributed to the way we perceive our decisions. While it’s easy to criticize other people for making decisions, this may not always be the case. Rather, we may feel uncomfortable relying on others’ judgments when we should take responsibility for our own choices.
Impairs freedom
Researchers have long argued that conformity impairs freedom. For example, the need for acceptance can lead to negative attitudes and behavior. The fear of punishment can lead to a “spiral of silence” – people with opposing viewpoints are too afraid to speak up. History is full of examples of the destructive effects of mass conformity. The’shock experiment’ was conducted by Stanley Milgram, who had his participants administer electric shocks. Despite the ruse, more than two-thirds of those who took part in the experiment continued to administer shocks of the highest possible voltage.
Sunstein also cautions against the negative effects of conformity. But unlike many other conservatives, he does not declare that conformity is always harmful. In fact, there are cases where it can be beneficial to society. Sunstein highlights the fact that there are cases in which conformity can promote a more harmonious society. However, Sunstein also notes that the dangers of conformity outweigh the benefits. For example, when governments force people to adopt a certain religion, they limit the freedom of religion.
Impairs individualism
In general, it is important to understand how conformity affects individualism. While it has varying levels of impact on individuals, it has significant effects on collective cultures. In these cultures, people place a higher value on group goals than individual preferences. This is often reflected in their propensity to conform to group rules. As a result, these behaviors often bolster self-confidence and increase social status.
In contrast, in a previous study, pathogen stress significantly decreased individualism, while government effectiveness was unaffected. This finding is in contrast to that of the second study, which showed that government effectiveness was significantly related to individualism. The researchers found that government effectiveness accounted for the majority of the variation in individualism, while pathogen stress was insignificant. Hence, these findings suggest that the effects of pathogen stress on individualism are consistent across regions.