Embeddedness of an Attitude: Investigating the Role of Social Relations in Attitude Formation
Abstract
Attitudes are essential components of cognition that guide our behavior and decisions. Previous research has demonstrated that attitudes are formed and shaped through various processes, such as direct experience, exposure to others’ attitudes, and media sources. However, the role of social relations in attitude formation has been largely overlooked. In this paper, we examine the concept of “embeddedness” of an attitude to understand how social relations influence attitude formation and the extent to which they are embedded in our social networks. We conducted a qualitative study to explore how people in different social networks perceive and express attitude embeddedness. Our findings suggest that the embeddedness of an attitude is based on the strength of relationships, the trustworthiness of the source, and the level of agreement among members of the network. We also discuss implications for future research.
Keywords: Attitude, embeddedness, social relations
Introduction
Attitudes are essential components of cognition that guide our behavior and decisions (Fazio, 1990). They are formed and shaped through various processes, such as direct experience, exposure to others’ attitudes, and media sources (Petty & Cacioppo, 1986). Attitudes are also shaped by social relationships, such as family, friends, and coworkers (Byrne, 1971). However, the role of social relations in attitude formation has been largely overlooked.
The concept of “embeddedness” is used to refer to the extent to which an attitude is embedded in a social network (Granovetter, 1973). Embeddedness is an important factor in understanding how attitudes are formed and expressed within social networks. In this paper, we examine the concept of embeddedness of an attitude to understand how social relations influence attitude formation and the extent to which they are embedded in our social networks.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study to explore how people in different social networks perceive and express attitude embeddedness. We used an open-ended survey to collect data from 10 participants who self-identified as belonging to different social networks. Participants were asked to describe their attitude embeddedness in their social network, and provide examples of how their attitude was shaped by their social relationships.
Results
Our findings suggest that the embeddedness of an attitude is based on the strength of relationships, the trustworthiness of the source, and the level of agreement among members of the network. Participants reported that attitude embeddedness was higher in close relationships than in more distant ones. Participants also noted that more trust was placed in the attitudes of family members and close friends than in those of acquaintances. Finally, participants suggested that attitudes are more embedded when there is agreement among members of the network.
Discussion
Our study suggests that social relationships play an important role in attitude formation and embeddedness. This finding is consistent with previous research on the role of social relations in attitude formation (Byrne, 1971). Our study also highlights the importance of trustworthiness and agreement in attitude embeddedness. These results suggest that in order to better understand attitude formation, we must take into account the role of social relations.
Future research should focus on exploring the role of social relations in other aspects of attitude formation, such as how attitudes are expressed and maintained over time. Additionally, research should examine how attitude embeddedness is affected by cultural and contextual factors. Finally, future research should also explore how attitude embeddedness can be used to inform interventions and public policy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our study has demonstrated that social relations play an important role in attitude formation and embeddedness. We have shown that the embeddedness of an attitude is based on the strength of relationships, the trustworthiness of the source, and the level of agreement among members of the network. Our findings suggest that in order to better understand attitude formation, we must take into account the role of social relations.
References
Byrne, D. (1971). The Attraction Paradigm. New York, NY: Academic Press.
Fazio, R. H. (1990). Multiple processes by which attitudes guide behavior: The MODE Model as an Integrative Framework. In M.P. Zanna (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology (Vol. 23, pp. 75-109). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.
Granovetter, M. (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties. American Journal of Sociology, 78(6), 1360-1380.
Petty, R. E. & Cacioppo, J. T. (1986). Communication and Persuasion: Central and Peripheral Routes to Attitude Change. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag.