Question

Social conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group. Which of the following best defines social conformity?

a) A process of individual decision-making unaffected by group opinions.
b) Resisting external pressure to conform to group norms.
c) Adapting one’s beliefs or behaviors to align with the majority in a group.
d) Ignoring social cues and maintaining independent thought.

Answer 1

Social conformity involves adapting one's beliefs or behaviors to match those of a group, driven by the desire for acceptance, and can lead to phenomena like normative social influence and groupthink. The correct option is c) Adapting one’s beliefs or behaviors to align with the majority in a group.

Step-by-step explanation:

Social conformity is best defined as adapting one’s beliefs or behaviors to align with the majority in a group. This concept is rooted in the human desire to fit in and be accepted by others, which can be understood through mechanisms such as normative social influence and groupthink.

Normative social influence leads individuals to conform to group norms to feel good and be accepted within the group. On the other hand, groupthink is a phenomenon where members of a group conform their opinions to what they believe is the group consensus, often leading to less critical thinking and potentially faulty decisions.

In real-life contexts, the pressure to conform can drive individuals to commit ethically and morally questionable acts.