Factors Influencing Conformity and Obedience

Introduction

• Discussion on factors that influence conformity and obedience.
• Conformity: Adjusting behaviors/thinking to align with group norms.
• Obedience: Following orders or directions without protest, often to avoid negative consequences.

Factors Influencing Conformity

External Factors

• Group Size: People are more likely to conform in groups of 3-5.
• Unanimity: Higher likelihood of conformity when group opinion is unanimous.
  • Asch Line Study: Presence of a supporter decreased conformity from 37% to 5%.
• Admiration of Group: More likely to conform if group is admired (e.g., children with popular groups, trusting doctors over gardeners).
• Group Cohesion: Connection with group increases conformity.
• Observation: Less likely to conform if responses are private (variant of Asch study).
• Public Acceptance: More likely to conform if expecting public shunning.

Internal Factors

• Prior Commitments: Less likely to change a stated position.
• Insecurity: Feeling insecure increases conformity.

Factors Influencing Obedience

• Authority Type: Obedience depends on the authority giving orders.
  • Proximity: Closer physical proximity increases obedience.
  • Legitimacy: Authority with symbolic or institutional support increases obedience (e.g., Milgram study with lab coat authority).
  • Institutional Authority: Commands from respected institutions are more likely to be followed.
• Victim Distance: Less likely to obey if victim is more humanized or visible.
• Depersonalization: Stereotyping victims reduces objection to harming them.
• Models of Defiance: Presence of non-conformers increases disobedience.

Personal and Cultural Influences

• No specific personality type is more prone to conformity or obedience.
• Mood: Bad mood reduces likelihood of conformity.
• Status and Culture:
  • Lower socioeconomic status individuals are more likely to conform.
  • Collectivist cultures (e.g., China, Korea) emphasize group over individual, increasing conformity.
  • Individualistic cultures (e.g., U.S., Western Europe) less likely to conform, but still do in daily life.

Conclusion

• Ordinary people can commit harmful acts due to these influences.
• Awareness of these factors can help reduce conformity and obedience.
• Personal reflection on the impact of individual nonconformity can influence others and provide strength.
• Understanding influence mechanisms provides insight and control over situations.