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The Pressure of Social Conformity

One sure way to offend the ego of an average person is to assert that they are followers, not leaders; that their worldview is shaped more by collective influence than by personal desires.

Psychology Today defines conformity as the tendency of an individual to align their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours with those of the surrounding participators. Conformity can manifest as overt social pressure or subtler, unconscious influence. Regardless of its form, it can be a potent force, capable of altering the behaviour of large groups, initiating or ending conflicts, and much more.

One of the most renowned psychological experiments on social conformity is the Asch Conformity Experiment. Conducted in the 1950s by Solomon Asch, this experiment demonstrated the power of conformity. In the study, groups were tasked with matching line lengths. Despite the simplicity of the task, Asch found that social pressure from the majority led about a third of the participants to conform and give incorrect answers. I am confident that numerous experiments have been conducted since its inception. And, looking ahead, the results of such an experiment will probably remain consistent, as human psychology is unlikely to undergo rapid change in this regard.

There will always be nonconformists and conformists. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that conformity is a grey area, as is much of human existence. Grey areas are abundant. There are variations to conformity.

Firstly, I would posit that most people conform unconsciously. They are heavily influenced by the herd-like psychology of their own nature and conform to fit in, as deviating from the crowd could lead to social, sexual, and professional downfall.

Secondly, there are those who conform for the same reasons as the aforementioned group, but they are conscious of it. These conformists adapt their behaviour to match the crowd around them but revert to their true selves in solitude. This is understandable, but it strikes me as somewhat cowardly.

Thirdly, there are the nonconformists who unapologetically embody what they deeply desire to be, regardless of the consequences.

Lastly, we have the anarchistic nonconformists, who deviate for the sheer pleasure of it; to rock the social boat. They might troll and antagonise the status quo for amusement and to make a point. This type of nonconformist is quite reminiscent of the ancient cynic, like Diogenes, a philosopher who would flout convention out of principle.

Among the four types of conformists and nonconformists I’ve described, I would place myself between the third and fourth categories. All, except the first, are deviants in their own right, including the second type of nonconformist who, though a dissident, operates in secrecy.

The first type of conformist, as mentioned earlier, is often the target of criticism in this book. They are typically the staunchest deniers of the reality of conformity in human nature. Many argue that conforming to societal norms is essential for a civilised society. This is indeed true, up to a point. However, unconscious conformity becomes detrimental when it is blind and misguided.

Unexamined conformity leads to collective bullying in schools and workplaces, the implementation of poor political policies through propaganda, social exclusion, and irrational disdain for eccentrics who often have the potential to change the world through arts and sciences. It also leads to prejudices such as racism, discrimination, and intolerance.

Bertrand Russell, an influential philosopher of the 20th century, writes in his book Basic Writings that nonconformity or eccentricity does not necessarily equate to being correct. I agree with this sentiment. However, eccentricity or nonconformity is more of a lifestyle, an approach, an attitude, rather than a claim of correctness. The greatest advantage of nonconformity is its personal freedom; it has nothing to do with being right.

Denying the existence of blind conformity because it threatens the ego is problematic. The average person assumes they are not influenced by herd mentality. They understand that individuality and authenticity require more self-confidence to uphold and possess greater intrinsic value. Yet, they fail to accept that this is what they struggle to emulate. Instead, they deny the existence of crowd phenomena.

*This essay is featured in the book, Denial.