Discussion: Conformity and Deviance
Week 3 Discussion: Conformity and Deviance
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Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
- Textbook: Chapter 5, 6
- Lesson
- Instructor supplied resources
- Student chosen resources (optional)
Initial Post Instructions
Social psychologist Irving Janis coined the term groupthink to describe how people often respond differently in a group context than they might if they were alone. Another interesting topic of sociological study is the area of deviance and social control. The textbook provides multiples examples from history where groupthink may have influenced people to participate in socially deviant behavior that they might have otherwise avoided.
For the initial post, respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2:
- Option 1: Share an example from your personal experience (of your own or of someone you know), or an example from history, where groupthink may have influenced people to behave or arrive at a decision in a way that many individual members privately might have avoided or thought unwise.
- Option 2: Complete an observation: In a safe environment, perhaps around family or friends, select one of the social norm violations below to conduct in a social experiment:
- Take food off of someone else’s plate
- Constantly interrupt when someone else is talking
- Stand really close to someone when talking with them
When you are done, be sure to tell them what you were doing!
Describe the person’s interaction as you were acting against traditional social norms. After you explain what you were doing, ask them how they felt when you were acting in a way contrary to traditionally forms of accepted behavior. Examine how this social experiment helps us explore why society views certain behaviors as deviant and whether perceptions of that behavior have changed over time. Determine and explain which theory of deviance you think works best for understanding the deviant behavior you have chosen to discuss. Remember to be respectful in light of potentially sensitive topics, and consider what you might be disclosing, as there is no guarantee of privacy.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least one peer. If possible, respond to one peer who chose an option different than the one you chose. Further the dialogue by providing more information and clarification. Make sure that you add additional information and not repeat the same information already posted on the discussion board as you further the dialogue.
Writing Requirements
- Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
- APA format for in-text citations and list of references
- Minimum of 1 source cited
Grading
This activity will be graded using the Discussion Grading Rubric. Please review the following link:
- Link (webpage):Discussion Guidelines
PLEASE COMMENT TO MY CLASSMATE
About a week ago, my supervisor was away on vacation. During this time, it was up to the medical assistants as a group to make rational decisions to efficiently help our patients. Everything was flowing smoothly until one of my coworkers decided she didn’t have to do much and could sit around to watch everyone work. This demeanor didn’t fly with one of the other girls. She was infuriated watching her sit there while everyone ran around frantically. She then came up to me and asked me if I was seeing what she was seeing. I told her I did and she insisted on speaking to the office administrator about what was going on. I asked her, “are you sure you’d like to proceed with this? It can bring us further issues and maybe we should just talk it out amongst ourselves first.” She decided to speak with everyone else within the medical assistants together and come up with an idea to bring to everyone’s attention since she was very bothered. As we gathered, the male within our group was in accordance with myself deciding that she shouldn’t go to the higher up and we can easily discuss a solution. The other female in our group decided she should complain. Therefore, it was 2 against 2. The male and I were thinking how it could potentially professionally affect us and our work. Regardless, the meeting was pointless and she made her own decision going to the administrator. In the article by James Rose, it is stated that the individuals within a group make their independent decisions and be open to criticism and understand that as a group it is more about the “we” than the “I,” which should be respected in all forms. (2022, Rose)
Rose, J. D. (2022, July 8). Diverse Perspectives on the Groupthink Theory – A Literary Review. Regent University. Retrieved November 7, 2022, from https://www.regent.edu/journal/emerging-leadership-journeys/groupthink-theory/
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