The concept of CON, or the “Conformity Norm”, is one of the most influential and pervasive social norms in modern society. This norm is defined as a rule or expectation that people must adhere to in order to be accepted by their peers and maintain a sense of belonging (Levine, 2018). The Conformity Norm is often used to explain why people conform to social expectations and group pressures, which can have both positive and negative effects on individual behavior.
This concept has been studied extensively in the fields of sociology and psychology, particularly in the realm of social influence. It has been found that conformity is a powerful form of social influence that can shape people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. For example, conformity can lead to people changing their behavior in order to fit in with a specific group or to gain acceptance from peers (Grusec & Goodnow, 1994). It can also lead to people following the behavior of others, even if it goes against their personal beliefs (Asch, 1956). In addition, the Conformity Norm has been linked to a number of other social phenomena, such as prejudice, groupthink, and obedience to authority (Cialdini, 2001).
The Conformity Norm has both positive and negative implications for individuals and society. On the one hand, it can help people to form strong relationships and gain social acceptance. On the other hand, it can lead to people conforming to undesirable group norms, such as prejudice or discrimination. Additionally, the Conformity Norm can lead to people not thinking for themselves and making decisions based on the opinions of others (Cialdini, 2001).
In conclusion, the Conformity Norm is a powerful and pervasive social norm that can have both positive and negative implications for individuals and society. It is important to understand how conformity works and the potential consequences of following group pressures or expectations.
References
Asch, S. E. (1956). Studies of independence and conformity: A minority of one against a unanimous majority. Psychological Monographs: General and Applied, 70(9), 416-417.
Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: Science and practice (4th ed.). Allyn & Bacon.
Grusec, J. E., & Goodnow, J. J. (1994). Impact of parental discipline methods on the child’s internalization of values: A reconceptualization of current points of view. Developmental Psychology, 30(1), 4-19.
Levine, C. S. (2018). Social norms: What are they, why do they matter, and how do we change them? In R. J. Burke & J. P. Tropp (Eds.), Oxford handbook of social norms (pp. 3-20). Oxford University Press.