What is nonconformism. Conformism and non-conformism as interconnected processes. What is Conformism and Nonconformism

The problem of individualism and collectivism is associated with the problem of personal autonomy of a person in a group. In the process of socialization and education, the subject develops a characterological quality conformityor non-conformism.

Conformity- this is a person’s dependence on the group, its influence on decisions made by him. This dependence has different degrees of severity - from the complete subordination of an individual to a group to personal autonomy. Conformism can manifest itself not only within a specific group, but also within a society when its pressure reaches such a high degree that people are afraid to show their individuality and change their mindset in accordance with social standards.

The weak influence of group pressure is defined as nonconformism.Nonconformism has nothing to do with negativism (conformism, on the contrary), since negativity manifests itself in a person’s desire to act contrary to the rules, and in this sense it depends on group norms. The nonconformist has his own independent view of the phenomena of the world and trusts his opinion. At the same time, he also respects the opinions of other people, but will act in accordance with his ideas about reality.

The coexistence and interaction of independent and free individuals, nonconformists, is a complex social phenomenon that is not so rare, because the higher the level of a person’s culture, the more he is able to be a nonconformist. It is nonconformists who are able to implement in their social relations the most productive interaction strategies - cooperation and compromise, avoiding \\ /

4 1 . DEFINITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF SMALL GROUPS

Small group- a small group, the members of which are united by common social activity and are in direct personal communication, which is the basis for the emergence of emotional relations, group norms and group processes.

A small group is a group that actually operates not in a vacuum, but in a certain system of social relations, it acts as a subject of a specific type of social activity.

The idea of \u200b\u200bthe number of members of a small group varies between two and seven. In some studies I. Moreno, the author of the sociometric methodology, designed for use in small groups, mentions groups of thirty to forty people when it comes to school classes. It is also believed that if a group is defined in the system of public relations in a specific size and if it is sufficient to carry out specific activities, then this limit can be taken as the upper limit in the study.

Allowed for a variety of reasons for classificationssmall groups: groups differ in time of their existence (long-term and short-term), in terms of the degree of contact between members, in the way an individual enters, etc. Classifications of dividing small groups into are widespread: 1) “primary” and “secondary”;

2) “formal” and “informal”;

3) “membership groups” and “reference groups”. Division of small groups into primary and secondary

was suggested H Cooley which at the beginning gave just a descriptive division of the primary group, naming such components as the family, the group of other

Hello dear readers. Today we will talk about what the concept of non-conformism means. You will find out who such non-conformists are, what are their characteristic manifestations. Find out what you need to do to become such a person.

Definition of a concept

In a broad sense, a nonconformist is a person who denies the order adopted by society, its values, laws, traditions and norms. The noncomformist is synonymous with the negativist, and the word opposition may also be used.

Nonconformists not only defend their rights, they strive to do the opposite, behave in such a way that others realize that they are wrong, that "power is corrupt," there are "stupid traditions," "laws are wrong," they are evil. To convince such an individual that he is wrong is virtually impossible, because everything he hears will be considered absurd and deceitful. At times, the point of view of such a person is correct, and sometimes constructive. Society can become very mired in conservatism and any opposition to it will be good.

Nonconformists can be called scholars who were ahead of time in their discoveries, because of which they were rejected by the majority. The situation with Galileo Galilei, when he was forced to publicly abandon his views under pressure from the Inquisition. Giordano Bruno, having looks atypical for his time, burned at the stake. These individuals differed from the bulk of their super-intellectual abilities.

Nonconformists are an integral part of society. It is nonconformists who advance the achievements of science, contribute to the development of art, and resist the transformation of society into a “swamp”.

Sometimes people confuse two such concepts as conformism and nonconformism. The first is the exact opposite of the second, it determines membership in the majority, the desire to be like “like everyone else”. Nonconformists are often attacked aggressively. It is worth considering that such individuals also depend on society, because if we look at conformists, they agree with generally accepted opinions, and nonconformists oppose what is accepted in society.

It is very important that the percentage of non-conformists who are part of a single society is not very high. This is necessary to maintain stability and stability.

Nonconformism is often a manifestation characteristic of adolescents. As they grow older, in the presence of personal development, conformism, as well as non-conformist manifestations, is less and less determined. A highly developed person has self-determination.

Predisposing causes

The main factors that push people to develop non-conformist views:

the desire to influence someone;
need for self-affirmation;
proof of their innocence;
refutation of established rules;
preservation of unique personality traits, their individuality.

People with moderate non-conformist views are needed by society. Situations with extreme manifestations of this phenomenon are dangerous.

Characteristic signs

The manifestations that describe the qualities of nonconformists include:

high self-esteem, sometimes too high;
resistance to external circumstances;
rigidity, unwillingness to succumb to someone’s influence;
self-confidence, which allows you to maintain your opinion and ignore the thoughts of others;
demonstrative opposition to society;
the desire to be unique, not like "everyone";
urgent need for self-affirmation.
independence; autonomy;
focus on your decisions;
resourcefulness;
own opinion;
the tendency to oppose themselves to certain groups;
the need to dominate.

Mostly nonconformists are strong personalities with a stable nervous system. This is a necessary condition, because opposition to society should be accompanied not only by obstinacy, but also by willpower. According to research, nonconformists have a fairly high intellect and are prone to creativity.

Non-conformist inclinations can be expressed with different strengths. Non-conformists are less common in society than conformists. For example, when considering a community of book lovers who will negatively relate to the work of Daria Dontsova, there will certainly be one person who emotionally proves that they are wrong, claiming that the ironic detectives of this writer are the best that exists in modern literature. Examples of non-conformism: in a class with poor academic performance, one excellent student, a lover of classics among rappers.

How to become a nonconformist

Stop worrying about what other people might think of you. You should be interested only in your own opinion.
Going to the store for new purchases, do not pay attention to brands. Choose those things that will be convenient for you or those that will appeal to your appearance.
Do what you want and when you want, listen only to your inner needs.
Do not forget about your personal boundaries. Perform simple, at the same time unexpected actions. For example, dance outside in the rain without an umbrella.
Experiment, look for your style in clothes, makeup.
Resort to non-standard problem solving, try to find new ways.
Try to stay natural. No need to pretend, copy someone, inherit.
You should not follow the framework, clearly limited plan. Better to be spontaneous, improvise.
Do not let anyone tell you how to live, what you need to do.

Wanting to turn to non-conformism, it is worth considering certain recommendations.

If you want to oppose the generally accepted rules, do not replay. No need to set up surrounding people against yourself.
Do not forget that different people have different beliefs. No need to configure someone to take the path of non-conformism.
If you decide to become a nonconformist, you should understand that friends may turn your back on you. However, if real comrades are nearby, this friendship will grow stronger every day.
It does not matter which rules to follow, it is important to relate to the actions of others, even if you do not agree with them. There is no need to have a negative attitude towards conformists and throw their aggression on them.

Now you know the definition of nonconformism. As you see, non-conformists are necessary for society, for its sustainability and development. It is worth considering that the extreme manifestations of this condition can lead to negative consequences.

CONFORMISM AND NONCONFORMISM

Conformism - a change in behavior or belief in response to a real or group belief. The phenomenon of conformism is associated with a group, with how a group can influence an individual person. If a person agrees with the majority opinion, with the opinion or belief of the group, he receives support and approval. On the contrary: if he goes against the stream, then he meets discontent, rejection, hatred. These people are called nonconformists . For the most part, they are leaders, generators of ideas, innovators. If a person is a leader in a team, then he will be allowed a slight deviation from general behavior.

The nonconformist offers new ideas, follows a path that is not well-groomed. This way of thinking does not bring popularity. At first they don’t perceive him or consider him an idiot, but after a while people make these new decisions and calmly enjoy all the benefits of civilization. This is how the world works: first hatred, ridicule, indignation, then curiosity, and then violent delight and reverence. The nonconformist is confused and rejected by society. Conformists, on the other hand, are the majority and, most likely, a person is often simply afraid to change their lives, strive for a new one, forget the old. “Sometimes an unbending position is the result of paralysis” (Stanislav Jerzy Lets). In this case, the following options are relevant to this problem:

1) conscious, free acceptance of the norms and values \u200b\u200bof the group;

2) forced adoption under threat of group sanctions;

3) a demonstration of antagonism in relation to the group (on the principle of "white crow");

4) a conscious, free rejection of group norms and values, taking into account possible consequences (up to leaving the group).

It is important to keep in mind that all of these options enable the person to decide, find their place in the group - either in the ranks of law-abiding, or in the ranks of local rebels. Studies have shown that the second variant of human behavior in relation to the group is very common. The forced adoption by a person of the norms and values \u200b\u200bof a group under the threat of losing this group or its position in it is called conformism.

Conformism is the submission of an individual's judgment or action to group pressure arising from the conflict between his own opinion and the opinion of the group. In other words, a person demonstrates conformal behavior in a situation where he prefers to choose the opinion of the group to the detriment of his own.

Conformism in the general sense is defined as a passive, adaptive adoption of group standards in behavior, unconditional recognition of established orders, norms and rules, unconditional recognition of authorities. In this definition, conformism can mean three different phenomena:

Expression of a person’s lack of his own views, beliefs, weak character, adaptability;

The manifestation of the same behavior, agreement with the point of view, norms, value orientations of the majority of those around;

The result of the pressure of group norms on the individual, when he begins to think, act like the rest of the group.

Conformism exists daily in small groups at work, in interest groups, in the family, and affects individual attitudes and behavior changes. The situational behavior of an individual under specific group pressure is called conformal behavior.

The degree of conformity of a person is determined and depends, firstly, on the significance of the expressed opinion for him: the more important it is for him, the lower the level of conformity. Secondly, from the authority of those who express certain views in the group: the higher their status and authority for the group, the higher the conformity of the members of this group. Thirdly, conformity depends on the number of persons expressing one or another position, on their unanimity. Fourth, the degree of conformity is determined by the age and gender of the person - women in general are more conformal than men, and children more than adults.

Studies have shown that conformity is an ambiguous phenomenon, primarily because pliability the individual does not always indicate real changes in his perception. There are two types of behavior: rational, when the opinion changes as a result of the belief of the individual in something; motivated - if he demonstrates change.

The conformal behavior of a person can be considered as negative in essence, meaning slavish, thoughtless adherence to group pressure, and as a conscious adaptation of an individual to a social group. Two types of conformal behavior can be distinguished:

External submission, manifested in a conscious adaptation to the opinion of the group. In this case, two options for the individual's well-being are possible:

1) is accompanied by acute internal conflict;

2) occurs without any pronounced internal conflict;

Internal subordination, when a part of individuals perceives the opinion of the group as their own and adheres to it outside the group. The following types of internal subordination exist:

1) thoughtlessly accepting the wrong opinion of the group on the principle “the majority is always right”;

2) acceptance of the opinion of the group by developing its own explanation of the choice made.

Thus, conformity to group norms is positive in some situations, and negative in others. Following some established standards of behavior is important, and sometimes just necessary for effective group action. Another thing is if compliance with the norms of the group acquires the character of personal gain and turns into opportunism.

Conformity is a very important psychological mechanism for maintaining the internal homogeneity and integrity of a group. This is due to the fact that this phenomenon serves to maintain group constancy in a changing and developing group. At the same time, it can be an obstacle to the development of individuals and social groups.

The phenomenon of conformism has been studied by many scientists. Group pressure experiments were conducted. For example, experiments about segments, when a person under the influence of a group gave a deliberately false answer. Recall the “third wave" - \u200b\u200bpower in unity. The group gives its members protection and approval. In a group, a person receives support, but as soon as he deviates from the norm by behavior or statements, he immediately falls into disgrace and can be excluded from the group. Conformal behavior plays a double, both positive and negative role in the socialization of the individual. On the one hand, conformal behavior helps to correct erroneous opinions or behavior, if the majority opinion is more correct. Conformity, on the other hand, prevents the affirmation of one's own independent behavior or opinion. However, a person cannot be only a conformist or a nonconformist, it depends on the situation and the issue to be solved. Although there are stubborn people who hold their opinions all their lives, as well as comrades who are ready to defend their truth with their fists. In addition, a person is not inclined to conformism, if the problem concerns him, affects important interests, especially significant points. Then he will defend his position.

Why do we need conformism? How can this phenomenon be used?

Management involves working in a group and with a group. The members of the group differ from each other in personal, physical and mental abilities. Each has its own interests, capabilities and talents. When solving any issue, solution options arise. Everyone is free to agree or disagree with the decision. But someone will make an independent decision, and someone will vote, like most. “Like everyone” is the main excuse, wrote Leo Tolstoy. At the same time, when discussing another issue, the person who voted “like everyone else” will propose a different option. The foundations of conformism are laid in childhood (for example, such "truths" as "do not lean out, live like everyone else"). Society imposes norms and attitudes. I believe that there should be a choice, and a person’s decision is his decision. If it is correct to influence a person, then even imposed decisions he will consider his own. Sometimes a small hint, a small detail is enough - and a person makes an imposed decision. Conformists help to make collective decisions, but they will never become leaders, generators of ideas, champions. On the contrary, a person proposing new ideas, taking risks and often rejecting the established principles of relations in a group, as a rule, becomes a leader. People who defend their positions and adhere to their opinion (non-conformists) always remain in the minority. However, a minority in one way or another affects the group.

To determine how minority opinion affects group conducted many experiments. At one time, the prevailing opinion was that the individual is largely amenable to group pressure. But some experiments have shown that those with high status change little their opinion, and the group norm deviates in their direction. If those in conflict situations find social support, their perseverance and confidence in upholding their ideas increase. It is important that the individual, defending his own point of view, knows that he is not alone. Contrary to the functionalistic model of group influence, the integrationist model is built taking into account the fact that in a group under the influence of external social changes the balance of forces is constantly changing, and a minority can act as a conductor of these external social influences in a group. In this regard, the asymmetry of the relation “minority - majority” is evened out.

The term “minority” is used literally in research. This is the part of the group that has less influence. But if a numerical minority manages to impose its point of view on other members of the group, then it can become a majority. To influence a group, a minority should be guided by the following conditions: consistency, persistence of behavior, unity of members at a particular moment and safety, repetition of a position in time.

The sequence of minority behavior has a noticeable effect, since the very fact of the stamina of the opposition undermines the agreement in the group. The minority, firstly, proposes a norm opposite to that of the majority; secondly, it deliberately demonstrates that group opinion is not absolute.

To answer the question of what tactics a minority should adhere to in order to maintain their influence, G. Muny conducted an experiment whose general idea is as follows: when it comes to value orientation, a group is divided into a large number of subgroups with their various positions. Participants in subgroups are guided not only by this group, but also by other groups to which they belong (social, professional).

To achieve a compromise in a group, the behavior of its members, divided into rigid and flexible, has a certain value. Rigid - it is uncompromising and categorical, schematic and severe in statements. Such a style can lead to a deterioration of the minority position. Flexible - soft in formulations, it shows respect for the opinions of others, willingness to compromise, and it is more effective. When choosing a style should take into account the specific situation and the tasks to be solved. Thus, a minority, using various methods, can significantly increase its role in the group and get closer to the goal.

The processes of influence of the majority and minority differ in the form of manifestation. Most strongly affect the adoption of his position by the individual, but the range of possible alternatives for him is limited to those offered by the majority. In this situation, the individual is not looking for other solutions, possibly more correct. The influence of the minority is less strong, but at the same time, the search for different points of view is stimulated, contributing to the manifestation of various original solutions and increasing their effectiveness.

The influence of the minority causes a greater concentration, cognitive activity of group members with a divergence of views; the emerging stressful situation is smoothed out by searching for the optimal solution.

An important condition for the influence of a minority is the consistency of its behavior, confidence in the correctness of its position, logical argumentation. The perception and acceptance of the point of view of the minority is much slower and more difficult than that of the majority. Nowadays, the transition from the majority to the minority and vice versa is very fast, so the analysis of the influence of the minority and the majority reveals more fully the features of group dynamism.

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47. Conformism and group pressure Conformism is a socio-psychological phenomenon of changes in behavior or belief under the influence of group pressure. Conformism is one of the phenomena of group dynamics. Types of conformism: 1) compliance or external public

Conformism in the relationship between group members manifests itself in the form of so-called social influence on a person.

The group puts pressure on the person, requiring him to follow group norms, rules, requiring submission to the interests of the group. A person can resist this pressure, that is, show non-conformism, and can give way to a group - obey, i.e. make a conformist.

It cannot be stated unequivocally that one type of relationship between a person and a group is true, and the other is not. Obviously, conformism can lead to the fact that a person, even realizing the infidelity of his actions, carries them out, because the group does it. At the same time, it is obvious that without conformism a cohesive group cannot be created, a balance cannot be established in the relationship between a person and a group. If a person stands on rigid non-conformist positions, then he will not be able to become a full member of the group and is forced to leave it at a specific between him and the group.

Since conformism in the relationship between a person and a group, on the one hand, is a condition for the integration of an individual into a group, and on the other hand, it can give rise to negative consequences both for the environment and for the group as a whole and this individual in particular, it is important to determine which factors and to what extent require a member of the group to make concessions to social influence.

The nature of the tasks has a significant effect on the degree of conformism in human behavior. If tasks not clearly definedif they do not have a definite answer, then they force a personperforming them more succumb to the influence of the group.

Group Feature also has a great influence on the development of conformity in a person in relation to the requirements of the group. Unanimity in group behavior enhances the degree of influence of a group on a person. It is easier for a person to object or disagree if someone else in the group has an opinion that is different from the group. The conformity in the behavior of a person in a group is influenced by the number of members of the group. If there are five people in a group, then unanimity has a strong influence on an individual. A further increase in the number of group members has little effect on the increasing influence of the group on the person.

The desire to obey the influence of the group depends on the personal relations between the members of the group, their likes and dislikes, friendship, etc. The better personal relationships between members, the higher the degree of conformism in their behavior in the group and the higher the degree of conformism in their behavior in the group and the higher the possibility of social influence on the members of the group.

Conformism - Submission to the Group

The influence that social groups have on the behavior of individuals is not a random factor. It is based on serious socio-psychological premises. In a special experiment by an American sociologist Solomon Ashe The task was to find out the nature of the influence of a peer group on its member. The psychologist used the method of the front group, which consisted in the fact that the group members - six people of both sexes - gave obviously incorrect answers to the questions of the experimenter (which the experimenter agreed with them in advance). The latter, the seventh member of this group, was not aware of this circumstance and played the role of the subject in this experiment.

At first, the experimenter's question was addressed to the first six members of the group, then to the subject. The questions concerned the relative lengths of the various segments, which were proposed to be compared with each other. In the picture shown to the group members, three segments were depicted, with two segments of the same length and the third less than the other two (not much, but quite distinguishable). The participants in the experiment (six members of the group), by agreement with the experimenter, argued (despite the obvious difference in the length of the segments) that the segments are equal.

Thus, the subject was experimentally placed in conditions of a conflict between his perception of reality (length of segments) and the assessment of the same reality by those around him, members of his social group, before a difficult choice. Unaware of the “conspiracy” of the experimenter with his group friends, with whom he had close relations, he had to either refute the group’s opinion, actually oppose it, oppose himself to the whole group in such a situation, or not believe himself, his perception of that what he sees, and his own assessment of what he saw. It turned out that a significant percentage of the “victims” of such an experiment preferred “not to believe their eyes”, but not to oppose their opinion to the opinion of the group.

This kind of consent of the subject with clearly incorrect estimates of the lengths of the segments that were given to him by other members of the group was considered as a criterion for subordination of the subject to the group, submission indicated by the concept conformism. Conformism is the submission of the individual to the majority opinion, unconditional agreement with the position of others, regardless of whether it corresponds to the assessment of the person himself, rejection of his own opinion, acceptance of the position of a social group regardless of whether such a position corresponds to his feelings, logic, accepted norms or moral and ethical standards .

In the experiment of the Russian psychologist A.P. Sopikov, students of both sexes aged 7 to 18 years were examined. During the experiment, the group members and the subject were selected from the same class. The experimenter's conclusions were as follows: a) there is a clear fact of group pressure (it affected the behavior of 550 people); b) all people are, to one degree or another, conformal (they obey the giving of the group); c) conformism is a fundamental socio-psychological phenomenon that does not disappear if one wants to get rid of it; d) conformism in complex issues is higher than in simple ones; k) conformity in people varies depending on the type of their constant occupation; c) with age, conformity decreases and becomes constant for a given person from 15-16 years old.

Therefore, a social group, firstly, is a bearer of social values, including certain norms of behavior, and, secondly, serves as a source of coercive influence aimed at ensuring compliance of the behavior of group members with these norms.

The coercive influence often (in cases of direct communication) may be associated with the so-called the effect of suggestion. It has been experimentally proved that suggestion directed at a team member far exceeds the effect on a relatively isolated person. In the first case, the personality is affected not only by the source of the suggestion (for example, the leader), but also by each member of the group. Therefore, the opinion of the group is more powerful than the opinion of its individual members. Several people, united in a group, acting together, collectively render to the corresponding individual much greater impactthan in cases when the same people try to influence such an individual, acting in isolation, one by one.

The following two fundamental points predetermine conformism as an individual's reaction to the influence of a group:

the normative influence of the group: submission to its norms, fear of being rejected by the group, losing its support, desire to gain the approval of the group, fear of being expelled, becoming stranger, etc. Conformism increases with increasing intensity of intragroup connections;

informational influence: the desire, in conditions of non-obviousness and ambiguity of the situation, to rely on the opinions of others who have, presumably, more reliable information. Conformity is the higher, the more complex, the more ambiguous, indefinite the situation assessed by a person.

Conformism and moral maturity

The fact that conformal behavior does not represent the highest form of social command finds confirmation in the socio-psychological experiment of the American researcher L. Kolberg.

The experimenter previously identified and formulated six steps to achieve a person's moral maturity:

the first stage - the individual’s behavior is determined by obedience and the desire to avoid suffering;
second stage - the individual focuses on the satisfaction of his own physical needs;
the third stage - the individual’s behavior is derived from the role played by him in interpersonal relations and is associated with the desire to earn the approval of those people with whom he is associated with these relations (conformism);
fourth step - the individual seeks to strengthen the power of the group, to approve group rules;
fifth stage - a person seeks to strengthen social norms, social obligations and individual rights;
the sixth - the highest stage of moral maturity - the individual is guided by universal principles of conscience and social ideals.

Following the determination of the signs by which one can distinguish the indicated levels of moral maturity, the researcher using a special technique identified two polar groups of adolescents: one with the highest, the other with the lowest level of moral maturity. Then the experimenter instructed each of the adolescents from both groups to turn on an electric current, allegedly connected to one of the adolescents. From the situation of the experiment, it was clear that the electric shock should be clearly painful for the teenager “connected” to the wire - the “victim” of the experiment. (Actually, the current did not turn on and the “victim” was in collusion with the experimenter, simulating acute pain.)

Of the group of mentally mature adolescents, almost two-thirds (76%) refused to comply with this instruction of the experimenter (to hurt their friend), i.e. showed not conformal, but morally oriented behavior. Of the morally immature, only 13% of adolescents refused to fulfill it. In other words, the higher the moral maturity of a person, the lower the degree of conformity. At the same time, it was experimentally confirmed that a high degree of conformity of the personality is more characteristic of individuals with a relatively low level of moral maturity and, on the other hand, that with an increase in the moral level of individuals, elements of conformism in their behavior decrease.

Degree of conformity

The norms of a certain group are just one of the interacting elements of the "personality-group" system. Other interacting elements include the social situation in which the individual is located. The latter, in turn, is associated with its belonging to a particular social community, and depends on the specific characteristics of this community. The degree of conformity in the behavior of a person within a social group depends on two main factors: 1) the basis that determines the inclusion of an individual in a social group; 2) the socio-psychological mechanism operating in the group, which affects the behavior of all members.

As a general principle, we can point out that the stronger the individual’s desire identify yourself with a social group, the more conformal his behavior, that is, the more his behavior obeys the norms, rules of behavior that are actually embodied in the behavior of members of this group. The degree of conformity of behavior also depends on the extent to which such behavior is rewarded by the group or to what extent non-conformal behavior is condemned and punished.

In turn, the reaction of a social group to deviations in the behavior of its members from the norms shared by this group depends on both internal (for this group) and external factors. Among the internal factors is the degree of unity of the group, the degree of unity of the positions, views, and attitudes shared by its members. An important factor is the importance of observing one or another norm in the behavior of group members for the existence of the group itself. The group exerts greater pressure, subordinating the behavior of its members to certain norms, the more important such norms are for maintaining the group, for protecting all collective interests. The higher the degree of unity of views and positions of group members, the higher the likelihood of identifying deviant behavior and the more rewarded conformal behavior.

Different social groups require different kinds of behavior from their members - more conformal or less subject to group norms. Primary groups — the family, a close group of constantly communicating individuals, etc. — are usually not satisfied with external conformism, i.e., formal observance of certain norms of behavior.

Primary groups, in the framework of which there is a constant and intense interaction, are characterized by a desire to ensure complete unity of opinions, positions, socio-psychological values. This is no coincidence, since this kind of maximum conformism is vital for the functioning of these groups, and the discord in their activities most often begins with the separation of values, i.e., the different members of such a group having different assessments, positions, opinions. This may be the source of conflict and the appearance of deviations in behavior.

Each social group has a certain degree of tolerance regarding the behavior of all members, and each member of such a group allows itself a certain degree of deviation from the norms of the group, which, however, do not undermine the individual’s position as a member of the group, and do not damage his sense of unity with the group. Conflicts in the relationships of group members can arise precisely due to the fact that one of them has crossed the boundaries of a tolerant attitude.

Deindividualization

A significant negative result of the influence produced by a group on its member is the effect of depersonalization (de-individualization). Depersonalization manifested in the person’s loss of self-awareness as an autonomous, independent person, a refusal to self-assess their actions. In turn, the effect of depersonalization is arbitrary from the process of social multiplication of the intensity of individuals' behavior occurring in the group (for example, the simultaneous effort of several individuals acting together is much higher than the simple addition of the force that each of them would exert if acting alone), and also a significant erosion of individual responsibility (“everyone did it”).

The total consequence of such processes is the possibility of individuals committing acts in the group that are unlikely or seem impossible for them to be committed by the same individuals alone. The social significance of the effect of deindividualization, depersonalization, the loss by an individual of his consciousness of his autonomy, and the loss of his ability to act contrary to all is clear.

Social multiplication of the intensity of behavior is associated with an experimentally confirmed phenomenon: the simultaneous execution of jointly performed actions (or simply the presence of other persons involved in this situation) increases emotional arousal, provides mutual infection with mood, and mutually reinforces the desire to achieve a result. Under such conditions, a sense of personal responsibility is also lost, which opens the way for acts of extreme cruelty, group vandalism, violence and other forms of aggressive behavior. The personality loses itself, dissolves in group emotions and a sense of group irresponsibility.

Conformal behavior on orders

A special kind of conformal behavior is the automatic submission of a person to the team of a person who possesses (in the opinion of such a person) imperious authority. It was experimentally proved that in a significant percentage of cases people are able to inflict pain, suffering, even encroach on the life of another, solely guided by their idea that the one who gives such an order has the right to do so. Moreover, a person’s own assessment of the content of such an order is eliminated, as well as such restraining motives as a feeling of pity, the demands of morality, etc. are eliminated.

In an experiment by an American researcher S. Milgramsubjects were asked to teach another person to remember a list of pair words. If the answer was incorrect, the subjects were asked to first expose such a person to a faint electric shock. With a repeated incorrect answer, it was proposed to increase the power of electric shock every time. In fact, there was no electric current, the “learner” was an assistant to the experimenter, and each time he only portrayed the suffering allegedly caused by an electric shock. The scale of the power of electric shock extended from weak to strong and very strong (from 15 to 450 volts). The "trainee" at first moaned, then shouted, demanded to stop the experiment, and then, with a very strong blow, fell silent. But this did not stop the subjects. Automatic subordination of the subjects to the authority of the experimenter, up to applying a shock to the “learner” with a voltage of 450 volts, was shown by 63% of the subjects in the Milgram experiment. Moreover, the subjects themselves were in no way dependent on the experimenter, at any time they could freely refuse to continue the experiment. Submission to authority in such an experiment simulated a picture of conformal criminal behavior, the commission of a crime by order.

Conformism[from lat. conformis - similar, consistent] - a manifestation of an individual’s activity, which is distinguished by the implementation of a clearly adaptive reaction to group pressure (more precisely, to the pressure of the majority of group members) in order to avoid negative sanctions - blaming or punishing for demonstrating disagreement with a generally accepted and generally proclaimed opinion and a desire not to look like like everyone else.

Andreeva - Social Psychology

Conformity is stated there and then, where and when there is a conflict between the opinion of the individual and the opinion of the group and overcoming this conflict in favor of the group. A measure of conformity is a measure of subordination to a group when the opposition of opinions is subjectively perceived by the individual as a conflict. They distinguish between external conformity, when the opinion of the group is accepted by the individual only externally, but in reality he continues to resist it, and internal (sometimes this is called genuine conformism), when the individual really assimilates the majority opinion. Internal conformity is the result of overcoming the conflict with the group in its favor.

The conformity model was first demonstrated in the well-known experiments of S. Asha, carried out in 1951. These experiments are considered classical, despite the fact that they were subjected to very serious criticism. A group of students were asked to determine the length of the presented line. To do this, each was given two cards - in the left and right hands. On the card in the left hand was shown one line segment, on the card in the right hand - three segments, with only one of them equal in length to the segment on the left card. The subjects were asked to determine which of the segments of the right card is equal to the length of the segment shown on the left card. When the task was carried out individually, everyone solved the problem correctly. The meaning of the experiment was to reveal the pressure of the group on the opinion of individuals by the method of “front group”. The experimenter previously conspired with all participants in the experiment, except for one ("naive subject"). The essence of the conspiracy was that when they consistently presented to all members of the “front” group a segment of the left card, they gave a deliberately incorrect answer, calling this segment equal to a shorter or longer segment of the right card. The "naive subject" answered last, and it was important to find out whether he would stand in his own opinion (which in the first series was correct in an individual decision) or succumb to pressure from the group. In Asha’s experiment, more than one third (37%) of “naive subjects” gave erroneous answers, i.e. demonstrated conformal behavior. In subsequent interviews, they were asked how subjectively the given situation was experimentally experienced. All subjects claimed that the majority’s opinion was very crushing, and even the “independent” ones admitted that it was very difficult to oppose the group’s opinion, since every time it seems that it’s you who are mistaken.

There are numerous modifications of Asch’s experimental methodology (for example, R. Krachfild’s methodology), but its essence remains unchanged - this is the “front-line group” method, and the group itself was recruited specifically for the purposes of the experiment in the laboratory. Therefore, all attempts to explain both the phenomenon itself and the degree of conformity of various individuals should take into account this essential feature of the group. Based on the self-reports of the subjects and the conclusions drawn by the experimenters, numerous dependencies were identified. Although, on the basis of their own assessments of the experimental results by the subjects, the cause of compliance was seen in their personal characteristics (either due to low self-esteem, or due to the recognition of some defects in their own perception), most researchers explained that conformity is not a strictly personal characteristic of an individual. Of course, these indicators are quite significant; for example, it was found that a less developed intellect, a lower level of development of self-consciousness, and many other circumstances of this kind influence the degree of conformity. However, another conclusion was equally certain, namely, that the degree of conformity also depends on factors such as the nature of the experimental situation and the composition, structure of the group. However, the role of precisely these characteristics was not fully understood.

Non-conformism is a readiness, in spite of any circumstances, to act contrary to the opinion and position of the prevailing majority of the community, to uphold the directly opposite point of view. Man's ability to resist group pressure, think and act in his own way. As a rule, more intelligent, self-confident and stress-resistant people possess high non-conformism.

They simply distinguish non-conformism and, as a form, non-conformism is forced, characterized by the fact that the individual, due to the pressure of the group, feels incited to deviate from the norms and expectations of the group. In principle, disagreement and protest have always been inherent in human nature and have repeatedly served as the key to development and progress. Some evolutionists even considered a kind of primitive non-conformism, expressed in the denial of natural animal impulses, as one of the determining factors in anthropogenesis.

However, with the increasing complexity of the social organization of mankind, the role of nonconformism has become increasingly ambiguous. After all, any system naturally seeks to marginalize, suppress, and, ultimately, completely eliminate protest, and the more complex it is, the more opportunities it has for this. But non-conformist elements do not remain in debt, increasingly moving to extremist, purely destructive positions.