Outline and evaluate the role of
social influence processes in
social change. (16 marks)
Social change is the gradual replacement of a society's ideas, attitudes, and behaviours
with new norms and expectations. Consistency is the first of many processes that must
take place. In order to effect societal change, it is advantageous to present a consistent
point of view since it makes the argument seem more believable and can persuade the
majority.
The Augmentation Principle is a successful transformational. Due to the personal
sacrifice made by the minority, when the majority pays attention to selfless and risky
actions carried out by the minority group, it is more likely that they will incorporate the
group's views into their own personal viewpoints. The minority opinion gains momentum
once certain members of the majority group start paying attention to it. This process is
known as the "snowball effect" and occurs as more and more individuals start paying
attention. Furthermore, normative social influence can persuade people to adopt similar
behaviours or viewpoints in order to blend in with the group by reporting the majority's
behaviour or opinions.
Social transformation can frequently be hindered by the influence of minorities.
The question of why so many people oppose social change even when they think it is
necessary was one that Bashir et al. (2013) were interested in pursuing. It was
discovered that some minority groups, like feminists or environmental activists,
frequently live up to the stereotypes linked to those activist groups, which may be off-
putting to outsiders. Because they don't want to be stereotyped, the majority frequently
avoids affiliation with minorities.
The idea that normative social influence plays a part in the process of social
transformation is supported by research. In a research by Nolan et al. (2008) that lasted
a month in California, messages were posted on San Diego households' front doors to
persuade them to reduce their energy use by pointing out that the majority of their
neighbours were already doing so. Some homes got a notice concerning energy usage
Outline and evaluate the role of social influence processes in social change. (16 marks) 1
social influence processes in
social change. (16 marks)
Social change is the gradual replacement of a society's ideas, attitudes, and behaviours
with new norms and expectations. Consistency is the first of many processes that must
take place. In order to effect societal change, it is advantageous to present a consistent
point of view since it makes the argument seem more believable and can persuade the
majority.
The Augmentation Principle is a successful transformational. Due to the personal
sacrifice made by the minority, when the majority pays attention to selfless and risky
actions carried out by the minority group, it is more likely that they will incorporate the
group's views into their own personal viewpoints. The minority opinion gains momentum
once certain members of the majority group start paying attention to it. This process is
known as the "snowball effect" and occurs as more and more individuals start paying
attention. Furthermore, normative social influence can persuade people to adopt similar
behaviours or viewpoints in order to blend in with the group by reporting the majority's
behaviour or opinions.
Social transformation can frequently be hindered by the influence of minorities.
The question of why so many people oppose social change even when they think it is
necessary was one that Bashir et al. (2013) were interested in pursuing. It was
discovered that some minority groups, like feminists or environmental activists,
frequently live up to the stereotypes linked to those activist groups, which may be off-
putting to outsiders. Because they don't want to be stereotyped, the majority frequently
avoids affiliation with minorities.
The idea that normative social influence plays a part in the process of social
transformation is supported by research. In a research by Nolan et al. (2008) that lasted
a month in California, messages were posted on San Diego households' front doors to
persuade them to reduce their energy use by pointing out that the majority of their
neighbours were already doing so. Some homes got a notice concerning energy usage
Outline and evaluate the role of social influence processes in social change. (16 marks) 1
