How Conformity Can Be Good and Bad for Society

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June 17, 2019

a project of ServiceSpace

The conventional view serves to protect us from the painful job of thinking.

- John Kenneth Galbraith -

How Conformity Can Be Good and Bad for Society

Conforming to the ideas or opinions of others is a loaded concept for many of us, resulting in some instinctual "not me, not ever" reactions. However, without some conformity, the dance where individuals create and evolve successful societies is impossible. Becoming a good dance partner means knowing how to match steps with those around you while at the same time staying in touch with your internal sense of direction. This article grom Greater Good reviews the book "Conformity" by Cass Sunstein, giving a glimpse into how conformity works - both to our good and harm. We CAN learn to balance the interests of both the group and the individual. { read more }

Be The Change

Consider the groups where you play more of a dissenting role and those where you are surrounded by others whose perspectives closely match your own. Set a goal to increase your awareness of how the energy of conformity influences what you say, don't say and ultimately do in these different circles.

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