Why do people conform?

1. 57

   Lisa Nguyenposted 12 years ago

   Why do people conform?

   replyreport
2. 59

   Neil Sperlingposted 12 years ago

   Great question. Mindless sheep just follow the herd. Thinking is hard work ... guess that is why so few people engage in the activity.

   replyreport
3. 0

   Valoric Fireposted 12 years ago

   Read some of my hubs.  I tackle this question with extreme vigor and detail. Conformity has been bred into eastern and western cultures in order to easily manipulate and mass control critical thinking and actions.  Edward Bernays Propaganda and many social science experiments such as the Asch conformity experiments in the 50's had a major impact on the science.  It is more apparent in today's world with Globalization and rapid expansion of technology.  Mindless Hollywoodism, sports fanaticism, religion and bipartisan politics all reinforce the zombi-like group dynamics that Bernay's described was essential for controlling any democracy.

   replyreport
4. 79

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   There has to be some conformity or you do not have a society. Of course, mindlessly following rules is not the same thing.

   replyreport
5. 0

   Dandraposted 12 years ago

   fear.                                                         
   BTW downrating a person's answer is total fail.                           .

   replyreport
6. 66

   marwan asmarposted 12 years ago

   People generally don't like to be seen standing out of the crowds that is why they go along. To be seen as standing out is something a lot of people don't like to do because of conventions.

   replyreport
7. 60

   nabeelplusposted 12 years ago

   would conform due to a number of factors be it either by majority/minority influence, obedience or informative/normative influence

   replyreport
8. 61

   Ken Bartonposted 12 years ago

   People conform because they're afraid to take a different route, to make their own way, and stand out from the others.  Others conform because they feel they need to in order to keep their jobs.  It's all about choices and what the situation seems to call for.  Myself, I have never been too good at conforming; so, you might say I've taken the road less traveled most of my life.  One interviewer told me I had a very unusual resume because I have done so many different things and had such a long list of different skills.  I told her it comes from loving many different things and living awhile! LOL
   
   I always recommend folks try to be their own person and only conform when the situation necessitates it.

   replyreport
9. 0

   Marie-AnneLeClercposted 12 years ago

   To fit in with society. To please the status quo. To not be an outcast. Outcasts are rebels. People fear what that don't understand. It is more convenient and comfortable to 'conform' to mainstream society. Beliefs and upbringing will also influence your personal way of life.

   replyreport
10. 62

    mintinfoposted 12 years ago

    Human nature, racial, and cultural influences

    replyreport
11. 68

    onegoodwomanposted 12 years ago

    It is simply easier, 'to go along, to get along', than it is to ' buck the system'.
    
    It is our human nature to take the path of least resistance.
    
    We ALL do it to some degree. 
    
    The only difference is in where we choose to draw the line and rebel.  The wisest among us ( not that I am one, ) choose the 'fight' that benefits the most of humanity.

    replyreport
12. 57

    Lisa Nguyenposted 12 years ago

    I was having a hard time trying to translate my thoughts into words. Without conformity, there is no society. Simple. Thanks!
    
    What about people who conform because it's the easier pathway? Are they considered mindless conformers also?
    
    Every new idea starts out as an outcast. It's called thinking outside the box, yet people prefer to stay inside the box because it's comfortable and because they are afraid of challenges.
    
    People like comfort, but comfort is the opposite of adventure and cleverness.

    replyreport