Arguments Against Conformity

“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.”- John F. Kennedy

This essay will discuss the concept of conformity and the reason why it is so prominent in societies; this will be justified via the use of case studies. It is essential to understand that social influence, which refers to how people impact our personal thoughts, feelings and behaviours (Sutton et al, 2013) results in conformity which is the junction of ones beliefs, feelings and actions (Sutton et al, 2013). The most common research with regards to conformity has been directed at the ‘static social influence environments described by relatively micro level theories (Cialdini et al, 2003). However society provides researchers with ample evidence, which highlights the presence of conformity due to this ideology of social norms.

Society has developed ideals known as social norms; they are the unspoken values, attitudes, behaviours and beliefs of a collection of people (Straker, 2002). There are five types of norms:

Conformity is generally seen in a undesirable light as it is linked with the inability to maintain a sense of self, which includes personal beliefs and opinions. However, in some cases, conformity is necessary and it is something that has to be performed. Everyone conforms to education and the curriculum that is set as do people conform when it comes to cultures and the act of being respectful, there are cultures, ‘highly advanced as well as primitive ones, that produce conformity for long periods of history’ (Tillich, 1957).

Conclusion

-Conformity is a result of social influence and pressure
-It is not always negative and can be the foundation of many cultures
-Conformity is a comfort, a safety net
-People try to resist conforming but when there is a mass influence, many end up caving in and going with the majority