A lot of studies have been done to try and understand norm conformity. Why people do things just because others are doing them. Why do we conform to social norms even when we don’t agree with them?
In this article I discuss the following:
- What are social norms?
- The different theories around social norm conformity
- Examples of conforming to social norms
What Are Social Norms?
Social norms can be described as a set of unwritten rules of attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that are considered to be acceptable within a certain group or culture.
Norms give us some sort of idea of how we are expected to behave and function so that there can exist order and predictability in society. This also provides us with key elements in understanding social influence and conformity.
Why Do We Conform To Social Norms?
In this section I’ll talk about different theories that exist as to why we conform to social norms. But first, I’d like to talk about one of the more famous experiments: the Milgram Experiment.
Purpose of the test: the willingness of individuals to obey an authority figure who instructs them to perform certain acts that go against their personal conscience or moral values.
Participants: The experimenter who gives the orders to (the teacher) give seemingly painful electric shocks to another individual (learner). The learner is actually an actor and does not really get electrocuted. The teacher, however, is not aware of this.
Outcome: Unexpectedly, a very high proportion of the teachers fully obeyed the experimenter reaching up to 300 volts. 65% Of teachers went up to 450 volts.
So, the theory showed that people will commit unethical acts if told by an authority figure to do so although they might not agree with it.
Conforming Due To Authority
One theory, according to Michel Foucault (Power/Knowledge, 1977), claims that if people didn’t conform, they would be sent to either a penal or mental institution.
Foucault goes on to explain that they are essential to the general functioning of the wheels of power. This was already prevalent in the 17th and 18th century. So, if you were wondering where it came from or when it started – it goes WAY back.
Basically, those in control used it as a way of maintaining power over individuals – to have them conform to a certain way of behaving and socializing. If they didn’t, they would be locked up.
In a sense, people might also conform out of fear of being sent to a penitentiary. Having some sort of freedom is better than having less freedom inside the confines of 4 walls.
In The Foucault Reader by Paul Rabinow (1984), it is stated:
“But discipline brought with it a specific way of punishing that was not only a small-scale model of the court. What is specific to the disciplinary penalty is nonobservance, that which does not measure up to the rule, that departs from it. The whole indefinite domain of the nonconforming is punishable.”
He then goes on to give examples of conformity or rather, nonconformity. A soldier who did not learn to correctly handle his rifle was to be handled with “great severity” by a Prussian infantry. Just as according to the regulations.
The same goes for the child who did not retain his catechism of the previous day. If he fails to do so he will be given penance.
It’s a way for those in control to keep obedience among the many who do not have control.
To Fit In
Another theory to why we conform to social norms is to fit in. This is one of the most basic theories to conforming.
Humans are social creatures. Being able to fit in plays a major role in social cohesion and group acceptance. According to this theory there are 2 reasons why people conform:
- Informational conformity. This forms part of a way to learn how to behave in certain situations or different settings. People tend to look for those who are more knowledgeable and experienced and use that information as a guide for their own actions. The result: they will change their behavior to avoid looking a fool.
- Normative conformity. People are influenced by social norms and expectations. They have a deep desire to fit in with certain groups rather than going against the status quo. It’s a way to avoid being ridiculed or excluded from the crowd. They do this for approval.
An example of this is the mutilation and chemical castration of children. 25 Years ago, people would not approve of this. But those same people today are fighting for it and see nothing wrong with it.
They either fear rejection from their current community or they’ve been spending too much time with those who have experience with it.
It’s The Right Thing To Do
Piers Howe from the University of Melbourne conducted the following experiment:
They posed a moral dilemma to 150 participants. Half of them were told that most of the previous participants would report the robber. The other half were told that most of the previous participants would keep quiet.
However, they informed both groups that the norms do not reflect individuals’ preference. The norms were arbitrary.
The experiment found that the participants followed the social norms of the previous group. By simply telling people that most others kept quiet increased their tendency to do the same.
What Does The Theory Say
Since everyone else is doing it, it must be a good thing to do. That’s one of the explanations.
Another explanation is that people conform to norms in an effort to avoid negative responses. Failing to follow norms may elicit negative social sanctions.
The researchers came up with something they call self-categorisation theory. This means that people will conform to a norm of certain social groups just to feel like they belong (to that group).
What the experiment also came to prove is that it does not matter whether that norm reflects a person’s preference. So long the behavior reflects that of the group they will conform to it.
Information Cascade Theory
There’s one more theory that may explain why people conform to social norms. Perhaps the word default might mean something.
Choosing a default answer on a registration form or and opt-in registration system may give merit to this theory. People tend to lean toward inaction.
Thus, defaults may lead to conforming to social norms even though it does not necessarily reflect their preferences.
Examples of Conforming to Social Norms
I’ve already given some examples of conforming to social norms. But those examples were only relevant to the specific theory being explained.
What about the gang member who conforms to the social norms and expectations of his gang? He knows it’s wrong and he’s not conforming due to the fear of being locked up. Nor is he doing it because it’s good or the right thing to do.
Well, this is where things get a little tricky. There’s actually more at play than a simple theory. I believe the gang member gets instant gratification. I also believe it has to do with his specific personality.
However, staying on track with the theories above one might say that he is indeed conforming due to an authority figure and out of fear. There are certain rules that he has to abide by when being part of a gang.
Not adhering to the gang leader might bring him some harm. He may also fear being ridiculed (or killed) by going against the group. And finally, this scenario agrees with the theory of informational and normative conformity.
For another example on how officers of the law conformed to a certain norm in a moment of weakness please take the time to read this article I wrote on Tyre Nichols.
Conclusion
I believe that looking at reasons why we conform to social norms is not a one-size-fits-all. We have to look at it holistically. Take everything into account.
There are multiple theories for multiple scenarios. But each person is different in their way of thinking and behaving and therefore we must look at the individual as a whole and their specific society, cultural norms, background and scenario to name a few.
I hope this gives you some sort of insight into why people conform to certain social norms as well as some introspection into why you conform to social norms even when you don’t agree with it.
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