types of conformity

• Conformity

  Aronson defines conformity as 'a change in behaviour or belief as a result of real or imagined group pressure'.
• Types of conformity

  • Compliance
  • Identification
  • Internalisation
• Compliance


  Where the individual changes their behaviour to fit in with the group/avoid rejection. They don't necessarily privately agree with the behaviour or belief, but they do agree publicly. Compliance is not permanent; it lasts only as long as the group is present. It it generally due to normative social influence.
• Identification


  The individual adopts the behaviour or beliefs of a group. The individual may or may not privately agree. They accept the group's norms out of a desire for a relationship or association with the group rather than a genuine internal agreement with everything the group stands for. This is linked to social identity, where an individual's sense of who they are is based on their group membership.
• Internalisation


  The individual accepts the behaviour or belief of the majority publicly and privately, and it becomes part of their belief system. Internalisation is a permanent form of conformity, continuing even if the majority group is no longer present. Internalisation is most likely due to informational social influence.