Normative social influence

Definition

Normative social influence refers to the phenomenon where individuals conform to the expectations or behaviors of a group in order to be accepted or liked by others. This type of influence is driven by the desire for social approval and acceptance, leading people to adjust their attitudes or actions, even when they may not personally agree with them. It highlights the power of social norms and the impact they have on individual behavior, especially in group settings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Normative social influence is most pronounced in situations where individuals feel they need to belong to a group or community.
2. Research shows that people are more likely to conform to normative social influence when they are in larger groups compared to smaller ones.
3. This type of influence can lead individuals to publicly agree with the group's views while privately disagreeing.
4. Normative social influence plays a key role in behaviors such as dressing similarly to peers or adopting popular trends, even if one does not personally endorse them.
5. When individuals perceive that they have strong social connections or relationships within a group, they are more likely to yield to normative social influence.

Review Questions

• How does normative social influence differ from informational social influence?
  • Normative social influence occurs when individuals conform to gain acceptance or approval from a group, regardless of their personal beliefs. In contrast, informational social influence happens when people conform because they believe the group has more accurate information or knowledge. Essentially, normative influence is driven by the desire for social approval, while informational influence is based on the perceived correctness of the group's actions or beliefs.
• What are some real-life scenarios where normative social influence is likely to occur?
  • Normative social influence is often seen in various social settings, such as at school during lunchtime when students choose food based on what their friends are eating. Another example could be in fashion choices; individuals may wear certain styles because they see others doing so and want to fit in. Additionally, people may feel pressured to engage in specific behaviors at parties, like drinking alcohol, to align with the expectations of their peers.
• Evaluate how normative social influence impacts decision-making in group settings and its potential consequences.
  • Normative social influence can significantly impact decision-making in group settings by leading individuals to prioritize group consensus over personal opinions. This can result in phenomena such as groupthink, where critical thinking is suppressed, potentially leading to poor decisions. Moreover, reliance on normative influence may cause individuals to act against their better judgment, contributing to risky behaviors or unethical decisions due to the pressure of maintaining group harmony and acceptance.

Related terms

Social Norms:

The implicit or explicit rules a group has for the acceptable behaviors, values, and beliefs of its members.

Conformity:

The act of changing one’s behavior or beliefs to match those of others, often in response to real or imagined group pressure.

Peer Pressure:

The influence exerted by a peer group encouraging individuals to change their attitudes, values, or behaviors to conform to group norms.