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.
• What are the three social influence processes discussed in relation to social change?

  Conformity, obedience, and minority influence
• Why is it important for the minority to express their view?

  To create awareness among the majority
• How can a minority demonstrate commitment to their cause?

  By placing themselves at risk or inconvenience
• What effect does demonstrating commitment have on the majority?

  It makes the majority take the minority more seriously
• What happens if the minority remains consistent in their beliefs?

  The majority may reassess the situation
• Why is flexibility important for the minority?

  To avoid being seen as too rigid
• What is the snowball effect in the context of social change?

  It is when more people join the minority due to its growing momentum
• How does normative social influence affect the majority as more people join the minority?

  It decreases pressure to conform to the majority
• What role does informational social influence play when people change their beliefs?

  It increases pressure to conform to the minority
• How can obedience lead to social change?

  By allowing authority figures to change laws and norms
• What is social crypto-amnesia?

  It is when people forget the source of influence after a change occurs
• What are the key steps for a minority to influence social change?

  1. Create attention by showing commitment
  2. Show consistency in beliefs
  3. Be flexible to avoid rigidity
  4. Utilize the snowball effect
  5. Understand normative and informational social influence
  6. Leverage obedience to change laws
  7. Recognize social crypto-amnesia