Author Name : Bhavya Seth
1. when we are alone, we feel insecure groups reduce this insecurity being with people gives a sense of comfort and protection.
2. When we are members of a group that is perceived to be important by others, we feel recognised and
experience a sense of power.
3. Groups provide feelings of self-worth and establish a positive social identity. Being a member of prestigious groups enhances self concept. 4. Group satisfy one’s social and psychological needs
such as sense of belongingness, giving and receiving attention, love, and power through a group.
5. Groups help in achieving such goals which cannot be attained individually. There is power in the majority. When a person takes birth in a social surrounding, he/she is nurtured in different social environment, such as family, playmates, neighbours, relatives, and in other broader
aspects of social world . So the person’s behaviours, emotional reactions and opinions are influenced by various social factors from the very beginning of life. Social influence implies the efforts by one or more persons to change the attitude’s beliefs or behaviours of others. Conformity is one such type of social influence , conformity is when individuals change their attitudes or behaviours to adhere to existing social norms.
Now let’s understand what we mean by social norms?
Social norms refer to rules of behaviour that are Considered acceptable in a group or society. It is the presence of others that leads to setting up of expectations. We always expect that people must be behave in certain ways in particular situations . Norms define appropriate behaviour for every social group. They provide order in the society. They guide and direct human behaviour. They are a powerful means to predict and understand others behaviours. People who do not follow the norms may suffer some kind of consequences such as suspension from social activities, isolation etc. Norms change according to the environment or situation and may change or be modified over time. In today’s complex and fast changing society, social norms are in a stage of continuous modification. The person who
is not able to adjust and adapt to such changes, confronts problems at various stages of life. On the contrary, the person who can adapt and accept the variations in social norms , easily, is considered a well adjusted person. Social behaviour indicates a person‘s behavioural pattern in the presence of others. This indicates how the presence of other persons influence our thoughts and behaviour.
After understanding, social influence,social norms, various groups and social behaviour. The question finally arises that
why do people conform to social norms?
People conform to social norms because of their desire to be liked and accepted by others. This is termed as normative influence. People realise that non-conformity may lead to criticism and rejection by others. People also conform because of their desire to be correct. It is called informational influence. This generally occurs in situations where people are highly uncertain about ‘what is correct’. So they conform to the group behaviour thinking it to be accurate. Every socialisation process involves
learning different social norms, customs, traditions by means of conformity, so it gradually becomes a habitual act. Conforming to social norms and other activities generally develop a ‘we-feeling’ and sense of belongingness to the particular group. This finally leads to group cohesiveness. By conforming to social norms, one’s, behaviour becomes systematic and orderly, which finally leads to a conflict free
environment for oneself.
In conclusion , conformity results in acceptance and liking by the other people, this assures the person of his/her safety and getting cooperation from others during any crisis. Our lives are influenced by the nature of group membership we have ,it is therefore important to be part of groups which would influence us positively and help us in becoming good citizens. It is also important to acknowledge that not only do others influence us, but we as individuals are also capable of changing others and the
society.
