The dependent variable in this article is social pressure and the independent variable is social conformity. Asch observes that social pressures are those conditions or forces around people that influence behaviors, attitudes, and opinions. “Groups, societies and experts are some of the group pressures that influence ones character” (Asch, par. 10). Consequently, social pressure is the influence of a group or person to think or act in a particular manner. Most of the people act in particular ways because they do not want to “be left out and thus base their decisions on what others consider to be right or wrong” (Asch, par. 12).
Social conformity is the independent variable in which an individual changes his or her opinions and views based on the social forces that surround them. The change could be in response to a real situation such as the presence of someone, or imagined, meaning the pressure from group norms and expectations (McLeod, par.2). Social conformity is of key concern when “a person is willing to call white black” in order to conform to the social forces (Asch, par. 40). In this regard, leaders command great influence on people’s attitudes and opinions, which makes them more independent than others. “Majority of the people will change their opinion opposite to their own when faced with a situation where majority are of the contrary opinion” (Asch, par. 23).
Social conformity is dependent on social pressure since an individual is influenced to change his or her opinions and behaviors in order to fit in a particular group. This means that a person could agree with the majority even if his or her own opinions differ. The society requires that every individual gives, “independent opinions and ideas from their own experience and insight for better productivity” (Asch, par. 35). However, social groups, friends, and leaders influence people to conform to their ideas and opinions. Therefore, it is necessary for an individual to resist the desire to agree with the majority and accept the fact that they do not have to be correct or conform to the societal norms.
Works Cited
Asch, Solomon E. "Opinions and social pressure." Readings about the social animal 193 (1955): 17-26. Print.
McLeod, S. “What is Conformity?” Web. 11 Jan. 2017. <http://www.simplypsychology.org/conformity.html>
