Final answer:
The theories that emphasize the influence of social pressure on human behavior are social psychology's concept of conformity, Solomon Asch's conformity experiments, Travis Hirschi's control theory, and Albert Bandura's social-cognitive theory, all of which show how environmental and cognitive factors interact to shape our behaviors in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Social Pressures in Behavior
The theory that reinforces the belief that social pressure is significant in influencing behavior is social psychology, specifically the concept of conformity.
Experiments by psychologist Solomon Asch have demonstrated the powerful effects of conformity, showing that individuals often align their actions with group norms even when the group's stance is obviously incorrect.
This tendency to conform largely stems from the desire to fit in and be liked (normative influence) as well as the desire to be correct and use the group as a source of information (informational influence).
Additionally, control theory, proposed by Travis Hirschi, suggests that behavior is influenced by the strength of social bonds and the attachment to society.
Commitment to social roles and community investments, involvement in socially acceptable activities, and common beliefs and values all play a part in shaping individual behavior in line with societal expectations and norms. This theory underscores the importance of social factors in guiding behavior.
Furthermore, Albert Bandura's social-cognitive theory posits that individual behavior is a result of reciprocal determinism, where behavior, cognitive processes, and societal context are mutually influential.
This perspective illustrates that people are also active agents in their interactions with the social environment, capable of shaping and being shaped by social pressures.
The interplay of external and internal influences is key to understanding the complexity of behavioral responses to social pressures.