The role of social influence processes in social change

• Social change 


  Social change occurs when a minority view challenges the majority and eventually becomes the majority. Examples of social change including recycling, the smoking ban, changing views on homosexuality, votes for women etc. These examples of social change typically take place over time and result from various social influence processes.
• The role of social influence processes is social change


  In the social influence topic we have covered various social influence processes including research into conformity, obedience and minority influence. Here we will examine how they can help result in social change.
• What is one way the minority can create attention for their cause?

  By showing commitment and placing themselves at risk or inconvenience
• Why is it important for the minority to express their views?

  To make the majority aware of their perspective
• How does demonstrating commitment affect the perception of the minority by the majority?

  It suggests certainty and confidence, leading the majority to take them more seriously
• What should the minority do to show consistency?

  They should not deviate from their view and highlight their long-held beliefs
• What happens when the minority remains consistent in their beliefs?

  The majority may reassess the situation and consider the issue more carefully
• Why is flexibility important for the minority?

  It prevents them from being seen as too rigid and allows for potential compromise
• What is the snowball effect in the context of minority influence?

  It is when more people leave the majority to join the minority, gaining momentum
• How does normative social influence change as more people join the minority?

  There is decreased pressure to conform to the majority
• What does informational social influence imply when many change their beliefs from majority to minority?

  It suggests that the minority might be right, increasing pressure to conform to them
• What can happen to laws when the minority view becomes more accepted?

  People in authority can change the laws to reflect the new social norm
• How can obedience influence behavior in relation to minority views?

  It can lead to changes in behavior due to fear of punishment for not obeying
• What is social crypto-amnesia?

  It is when people remember that change has occurred but forget the source of the influence