Conformity is a term used in psychology to describe the act of changing ones attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to match those of a group. This change can be in response to real or imagined group pressure. There are two main types of conformity:
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Normative conformity: This is the tendency to conform to group norms in order to be accepted by the group or to avoid rejection. This type of conformity usually involves compliance, where a person publicly accepts the views of a group but privately rejects them.
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Informational conformity: This occurs when a person adopts the view of others because they assume that others possess more knowledge about the situation.
Conformity has important social implications and continues to be actively researched. Classic studies have demonstrated the power of social influence to change peoples perceptions and behaviors. Researchers have identified different reasons why people conform, including the desire to fit in with the group, the fear of being rejected by the group, and the belief that the group is more likely to be correct than the individual.
In summary, conformity is a phenomenon in which individuals change their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to match those of a group. This can occur for different reasons, such as the desire to fit in or the belief that the group is more knowledgeable.