Conformity and Obedience
In many instances, people can be influenced by other’s behaviors. The result is conformity that often tends to stem from obedience and compliance.
Conformity and obedience are common in society. Conformity occurs when one changes behavior or belief based on actual or imagined group influence. Conformity can occur through acceptance, where one sincerely believes in the values upheld by the group (Chapter 6, n.d, p. 142). It can also come from compliance when one behaves as if in acceptance of the group values but inwardly does not. Conformity can also occur through obedience because one has to accept authority. Factors that influence conformity and obedience include depersonalizing the individual, such as abusing someone on social media but cannot do so face-to-face. Obedience can also be influence by one’s closeness to legitimate authority (Chapter 6, n.d, p. 154). Finally, group influence can lead to conformity and obedience because of the availability of social support. All these indicate conformity and obedience.
The phenomenon that is applicable to my personal experience is normative influence. It refers to the desire to go along with the views of others or doing things to gain their approval (Chapter 6, n.d, p. 164). In most cases, normative influence stems from a person’s desire to be liked and avoid rejection.
Normative influence applies to my personal experience because I had a desire to be liked. In my first year in college, I made new friends and joined their study group. We agreed to read a book and discuss it over the weekend. I liked the book, and when I attended the study group, almost everyone said they hated the book. Rather than share my delight about the book, I also casually stated that the book was terrible. I wanted to feel a part of the group and maintain my friends. I did not want to appear like the odd one out.
Conclusion
Many factors can influence conformity and obedience. For instance, obedience to authority or the desire to gain approval from others. How one acts in any given event can be influenced by such factors.