Cohesion in a group can really affect how much its members go along with each other. When people feel close to their group, they tend to follow its rules and behaviors more. This happens because they care about their friendships and want to fit in.
Shared Identity: In a close group, members often feel a strong shared identity. They may value the group's rules more than their own beliefs. For example, think about a sports team. Players usually stick to the team's game plan and follow the rules because teamwork is important for winning.
Social Pressure: In groups where everyone gets along well, social pressure can be strong. If one person acts differently, others might push them to fit in. Imagine a group of friends who always choose healthy food. If one friend decides to eat junk food, the others might encourage them to eat healthier instead.
Fear of Rejection: When groups are close, the fear of being left out grows. Members might go along with the group to avoid being different. For instance, in a close community with deep-rooted traditions, someone might join in on rituals even if they don’t really agree, just to avoid feeling like an outsider.
But sometimes, cohesion can actually weaken conformity, especially in groups that value being different or thinking critically.
Encouragement of Diversity: Some close groups celebrate different opinions and encourage discussion. In a brainstorming session, for example, team members may feel free to share their unique ideas.
Support for Individualism: If a cohesive group focuses on independence, going along with the crowd might not be important. Picture a group of artists who support each other’s different styles—following just one style wouldn’t help their creativity.
In summary, cohesion has a tricky role in how people conform in groups. While it often leads to more agreement because of shared identity and social pressure, it can also create spaces that welcome different ideas. In the end, how the group acts will depend on its specific dynamics.
Cohesion in a group can really affect how much its members go along with each other. When people feel close to their group, they tend to follow its rules and behaviors more. This happens because they care about their friendships and want to fit in.
Shared Identity: In a close group, members often feel a strong shared identity. They may value the group's rules more than their own beliefs. For example, think about a sports team. Players usually stick to the team's game plan and follow the rules because teamwork is important for winning.
Social Pressure: In groups where everyone gets along well, social pressure can be strong. If one person acts differently, others might push them to fit in. Imagine a group of friends who always choose healthy food. If one friend decides to eat junk food, the others might encourage them to eat healthier instead.
Fear of Rejection: When groups are close, the fear of being left out grows. Members might go along with the group to avoid being different. For instance, in a close community with deep-rooted traditions, someone might join in on rituals even if they don’t really agree, just to avoid feeling like an outsider.
But sometimes, cohesion can actually weaken conformity, especially in groups that value being different or thinking critically.
Encouragement of Diversity: Some close groups celebrate different opinions and encourage discussion. In a brainstorming session, for example, team members may feel free to share their unique ideas.
Support for Individualism: If a cohesive group focuses on independence, going along with the crowd might not be important. Picture a group of artists who support each other’s different styles—following just one style wouldn’t help their creativity.
In summary, cohesion has a tricky role in how people conform in groups. While it often leads to more agreement because of shared identity and social pressure, it can also create spaces that welcome different ideas. In the end, how the group acts will depend on its specific dynamics.