Social Control, Conformity And Resistance: Factors Explaining Why Individuals Conform To Social Expectations, Including Sanctions, Social Pressure, Self-interest And Social Exchange. (Copy)
1. Overview of Conformity
| Concept | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Conformity | Following norms, values, expectations of society | Wearing uniform, obeying parents |
| Purpose | Maintains social order | Reduces conflict |
2. Sanctions (Formal & Informal)
Definition
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctions | Rewards or punishments encouraging conformity | Praise, fines |
Types of Sanctions
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Positive | Official rewards | Awards, certificates |
| Formal Negative | Legal/official punishments | Fines, detention |
| Informal Positive | Social approval | Compliments, acceptance |
| Informal Negative | Disapproval from others | Gossip, shame |
Why Sanctions Cause Conformity
| Reason | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Avoid punishment | Reduces negative outcomes | Students follow rules to avoid detention |
| Gain rewards | Encourages desirable actions | Employee conforms to get promotion |
| Maintain reputation | Avoid social judgment | Avoiding behaviours labelled “weird” |
3. Social Pressure
Definition
| Concept | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Social Pressure | Influence from peers, family, community | Buying clothes like friends |
Types of Social Pressure
| Type | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Pressure | Explicit demands | “Just do it, everyone is doing it” |
| Indirect Pressure | Subtle expectations | Seeing everyone stand for anthem |
| Peer Pressure | Influence from same age group | Teens copying fashion trends |
Why Social Pressure Causes Conformity
| Reason | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fear of rejection | Wanting acceptance | Acting like peer group |
| Desire to belong | Humans are social creatures | Joining popular activities |
| Group identity | Builds unity | Dressing similarly in school |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
4. Self-Interest
Definition
| Concept | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Interest | Conforming because it benefits the individual | Following office rules to keep job |
How Self-Interest Promotes Conformity
| Factor | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Avoiding harm | Wearing seatbelt |
| Career Advancement | Staying in good books | Employee obeys company rules |
| Survival | Fitting into system ensures stability | Paying taxes |
| Social Mobility | Good behaviour brings opportunities | Conforming to school expectations for grades |
5. Social Exchange Theory
Definition
| Concept | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Social Exchange | People act based on rewards vs costs | Helping friend expecting support later |
How Social Exchange Promotes Conformity
| Factor | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Cost–Benefit Calculation | If benefits > costs → conform | Following teacher rules to get recommendations |
| Reciprocity | Expect return benefits | Being polite to gain favour |
| Maintaining relationships | Conform to keep harmony | Not arguing with elders |
| Social rewards | Respect, support, help | Conforming to community norms |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
6. Additional Factors Encouraging Conformity
Internalisation
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Internalised norms | People believe norms are correct | Stopping at red light even with no cars |
Identity
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Social identity | Conforming to role expectations | Acting “like a student” in school |
Socialisation
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Early learning | Norms become natural | Teaching children to share |
7. Interaction of Factors
| Combination | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctions + Pressure | Fear of punishment + desire for acceptance | Following dress code |
| Pressure + Self-interest | Belonging + benefit | Joining popular club |
| Self-interest + Social exchange | Benefits now + future rewards | Respecting elders to maintain support |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
8. Conformity vs Resistance
| Behaviour | Cause | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Conformity | Social approval, safety, rewards | Following school rules |
| Resistance | Unfair norms, inequality | Protesting against discrimination |