Why do people chose to conform?

Answer 1

Well, whether we like it or not, whether it's even conscious or not, we all "conform" to some extent, simply for transacting day to day social business.

But as far as "conforming" in terms of fashion, speech, fads, trends, etc., many people have this need to "validate" their existence and they need to feel "connected" with a larger group of people, not just for acceptance, but to help confirm that they are not "weird;" that they are a part of a larger social group that acts as they do and accepts that as "normal."

Answer 2

Some don't.

It's hard to say why. Many people conform without even knowing it. I mean, look around. I'm in high school--I don't even have to say that it's the ultimate conformist breeding ground. There's the nerds, the geeks, the preps and IBers, the skaters, the emo kids, the "punks and goths," the delinquints. Whatever you think about, we've got it...

Why do people fit in? Because they feel more secure with others who are like them.

The nerds and geeks find comfort in that they are not the only ones. In fact, they may be the most unconformist group out there because they are not afraid to say that they like something that no one else likes. The preps and IBers; I guess they just grew up having money and are used to it. Skaters, emo kids, "punks and goths;" just... need to find their own personalities. Trying to be friends with most of them is just impossible; I guess they find friendship in others who are just as selfish and immature as they are.

Conformity, however, isn't as I described it above. There are many in each group that don't conform. It's hard to see, but it's there. Being non-conformist doesn't mean not having a job, getting arrested, and being poor. Being non-conformist means doing the things you want and liking the things you like even if it means you have no friends because of it.

Okay, so in a roundabout way, we've achieved the real question: Why do people do things they don't want to do?

Sometimes people are forced into it--by their parents, by their schools, by their jobs. Sometimes they just like to fit into the norm. Some do it so they don't make enemies. Some to make friends. Some to keep their friends. Some to gain a higher social status.

There are many reasons behind the human psyche, but perhaps in the end the answer is merely human nature. It's human nature to want to be around other people, and many let it guide them even when their minds say no.

Answer 3

Some choose conformity for its safety in numbers; a minority alone is far less likely to survive than in a minority group. It's an age old survival technique used, I'm sure, by our cave dwelling ancestors.

Others choose conformity out of fear; the responsibility they won't take for their actions can be spread over the many, so in that way the entire group is held accountable. That seems to me as more of a political technique. Beware of the last.

Answer 4

I don't know. I have seen people I never thought would conform do so in a matter of months. I guess being an individual is harder because you have to think for your self and some people want the easy way out eventually.

Answer 5

really hard question!!
it is not really defined yet nor by sociologists, nor by pschologists.
the science what is analyzing this is social-psychology. the best book in the century to read about is written by Elliot Arronson.

the best answers here maybe were: to validate existance, and that ppl feel more safe in group.

you are in groups all your life. anyone, even if with parrents, family, friends, school, job.. you are allways in group. you have to addopt to get in a new group of society. addopting means to conform. conformity is not necesseraly bad, or negative! it is a must.
conformity can be measured, but yet can not be generalized on individual, nor on society.

Read Aronson, and you will have your own shocking answers!

Answer 6

Besides the obvious inescapable conformity of society. People conform for reasons they hold higher than their principles. Sometimes you need to go out of your way to survive. Sometimes for a lack of individuality and low selfesteem. Why think when others have done it for you. They concern about the approval of others more then their own. How often does our society embrace an individual that has no commodity value.

Answer 7

A simple answer to a real complex question: it is easier and perhaps fear of being different.

Here's a personal observation and experience: almost everyone chooses a major in college that is already mapped out, it is easier to conform and follow that plan that many, many have followed before them. I created my own major in college and it was harder to do that because I started from scratch -- it is unique yet worth it all (a BA degree) and it is "me".

Answer 8

Every human being has the same basic needs. They are driven by these needs.

What are they?
Food. Our hunger drives us into action.
Sex. Our desire makes us act.
Status. We all want our place in the pecking order.
Security. Safety first. Home second.
Love. Being nurtured.

All People conform to gain or retain these basic needs.

Answer 9

human beings do no longer adjust to draw interest to themselves to the two instruct a factor or merely benefit interest. think of of the "emo's" in on the instant's society. Why do you think of they gown, and act the way they do? some are grabbing interest, whilst others try to get factors for the time of to the international. I nevertheless have not discovered what that factor is, yet they're doing it for some reason. Others do no longer want to evolve because of the fact conforming isn't for them. Me working example on no account have been given into the "standard" crowds in school because of the fact i did no longer want to act like a douche and gown a definite thank you to get pals. i'm completely chuffed on my very very own.

Answer 10

To be accepted, to feel they belong, are valued, worthy, to get praize, to be counted on as a part of a group etc. In situation of conforming to authority or religion can be not to break social norms, tradition of a family, not to 'stir the waters' or 'rock the boat' as they want to avoid confrontation, arguments etc. Or perhaps because they do believe ...