Cultural context is really important when we look at why people conform and obey rules. It affects how we act in groups. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Individualism vs. Collectivism:

   • In individualistic cultures, like the USA, people are encouraged to be independent. This usually means they are less likely to go along with the group. Only about 25% of people in these cultures might feel the need to conform.
   • On the other hand, in collectivist cultures, like Japan, people focus more on getting along with the group. Because of this, more people tend to conform. In these societies, studies show that up to 70% of individuals may conform to group pressures.

2. Respect for Authority:

   • Some cultures value respect for leaders and rules, which is common in many Asian societies. In these places, people are more likely to obey authority figures. Research shows that obedience can be over 80% when there's a strong leader present.
   • In contrast, cultures that encourage people to question authority may see much lower obedience rates, sometimes around 40%.

3. Influence from Peers:

   • The impact of friends can differ between cultures. In collectivist cultures, getting approval from peers is very important. But in individualistic cultures, personal freedom and choices often matter more.

Knowing about these cultural differences helps us understand why people behave the way they do in groups. Conformity and obedience are deeply related to the values and norms of society.