Social Influences on Behavior

Social Influences on Behavior

People are social an individual will have thoughts, feelings, and actions but when an individual is with other these emotions can change. Social influence is conformity, when an individual expresses him or herself in a certain way to fit in to situation or meet the expectations of a given group. This will be real changes to the individual as a result from the interaction with this group. A person will adjust his or her beliefs if they believe the group or others are similar with principles and balance. An individual can also be influenced by the majority; this is when a social group has a certain outlook, and the entering individual with adopt these outlook and beliefs as well. According to Rashotte (2006), “Additionally, individuals may change an opinion under the influence of another who is perceived to an expert in the matter at hand” (Social Influence, para. 2). Specific behaviors of social influences are altruism and conformity, how these behaviors occur, the precursors and consequences of behaviors, and if any therapeutic intervention should be taken for them.

Specific Behaviors

Altruism loves others as a person would love him or herself. Altruism is also a behavior of survival that promotes chances of the person above others at one’s own cost. Altruism is also self-sacrificing for the benefit of others. An altruist will align their well-being with others, when others are happy an altruist will thrive, if an altruist is around soundness he or she will also suffer (Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. 2009). In order to establish a strong relationship an altruistic person will motivate cooperation rather than conflict. What is uncertain in an altruistic is done to increase pleasure or reduce pain. An example would be would be giving a homeless person money. Is this done by pure desire to help or alleviate discomfort? These prosocial acts can lead to material and social rewards, as well as positive feelings. The acts are known as ethical hedonism. People act positively for many reasons they are motivated by their positive emotions and wish diminish negative ones. Social conformity also plays a role in altruism.

While altruism is self-sacrificing and works on positive effects for others and for one’s self whereas conformity is changing attitudes or the behavior of others to accommodate standards of peers or groups. Conformity is a desire to fit with the norms of society, instead of being an undesirable. Humans are very tribal and have a need to belong. Conforming helps this needs, it shows the group that you are like them. Conforming can be a personality trait, doing whatever is found necessary to “fit in.” Conformity is found in culture also according to Kowalski, R., & Westen, D., (2009) a study done on East Asians found that participants preferred to conform than be independent. While North American in a similar study preferred to be independent. Social conformity can vary within a culture as well, low-income families and rural parents tend to emphasize on obedience and conformity while middle-class income parents will not. These behaviors can occur in different situations.

How Behaviors Occur

Altruism can be seen in relief efforts. A large disaster happens and people will pull together to make a difference. This can be in the means of donations, fundraiser, or giving blood. Such events are the tsunami event of 2004, or the attacks of 911. People pulled together and raised money for others that were in need. Heart went out for the loss of thousand in both events. Most people donated to funds to help families who lost loved ones and to help families who lost everything.

Conformity is seen when a child has to have a pair of new shoes that match the other children in their grade. Conformity is also seen in actions of large groups. There are several movies such as “Mean Girls” that establishes that the new girl must be mean to her friend as the other girls she “hangs out with” in order to “fit in” and be accepted. Conformity gives her an establishment in a group even if she does want to be mean. Kowalski, R., & Westen, D., (2009) note this as; Influence of this sort provides the basis for self-fulfilling prophecies, in which false impressions of a situation evoke behavior these impressions become true. Both of these behaviors and occurrences have precursors and consequences.

Precursors and Consequences of Behaviors

The earliest precursors to altruism could be as simple as a child sharing lunch with a friend who does not have anything to eat. Donating time to homeless shelter, or assisting in an elderly community is another form of altruism. Consequences to this action can be going without because a person has given all his or her monies to others. What of conformity?

The precursors of conformity are not having thoughts on for one’s self but always looking to the crowd for what is seen as acceptable actions, and behavior. The consequence can be a person becomes co-dependent. Conformity can also have negative effects of the person no longer has free thinking or a will of his or her own. Should a person receive therapeutic intervention with these two social influences?

Therapeutic Intervention

Intervention could be used in both altruism and conformity. If a person is over doing the greater good and worrying more about the effects and concerns of others this person could begin to neglect his or her own needs. Likewise if a person becomes overly consumed with donating to others they can neglect their own needs. If a person is more worried about what is social acceptable this person may require help to find self esteem and their needs. In moderation either one of these social influences can be beneficial to others and the person performing them. Both of these influences can be positive as well. If the effects help a person learn to react in crisis, be part of a cure or sustain humanity. Otherwise conformity and altruism is a normal part of life. Most people will do their best to help others in need, and when in a group most will try to fit in.

Conclusion

People are social creatures by nature. We seek attention and even approval from others in our lives. Altruism is when a person will love someone else as they love themselves. Conformity is when a person seeks the approval of someone. A person could believe that they attention they are giving to others is for the greater good but this person could also being this for the attention they receive. A person who feels as if he or she is an outcast may try to change his or her ways to fit into the social setting they are in. Most North Americans do not conform to others while East Asian will. Conformity is not just culture based from regions it can be based on classes in a region. The beginning and end results of the behavior may differ therapeutic intervention will only be needed if a person does not know how much is enough.

Reference

Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2009). Psychology (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Rashotte, L. (2006). Social Influence. Blackwell Publishing. Retrieved from http://www.blackwellpublishing.com:443/sociology/docs/BEOS_S1413.pdf