Introduction
Conformity and nonconformity are social phenomena that affect different social areas, including adolescent peer groups. Conformity occurs when individuals adjust their behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs to align with the group’s norms and values (Cherry). It is a powerful force that can shape behavior, sometimes even to the extent of causing people to act in ways they might not otherwise.
Various factors influence the urge to conform among adolescents. These factors may include the need to belong, peer pressure, and fear of rejection. This research paper will discuss the factors that create the desire to comply among adolescent groups and the forces that can counteract conformity regarding the Stanford Prison Experiment.
The Stanford Prison Experiment
The Stanford Prison Experiment was a controversial social psychology experiment. The experiment studied the psychological effects of becoming a prisoner or correctional officer (Stanford Prison Experiment). The experiment was designed to investigate the behavior of ordinary people in prison, focusing on the power of social roles, authority, and deindividuation (Stanford Prison Experiment).
It was carried out at the prestigious Stanford University from August 14 to August 20, 1971, by a cohort of researchers, spearheaded by the eminent psychology professor Philip Zimbardo (Stanford Prison Experiment). Out of a total of seventy-five male students, twenty-four students were randomly selected to take on the roles of prisoners and guards in a simulated jail established in the basement of the Stanford psychology building (Stanford Prison Experiment). These participants were able to adapt to their roles with unanticipated ease, with the guards taking on authoritarian measures and subjecting some of the prisoners to extreme psychological torment.
Initially, the participants behaved as they usually would. The prisoners engaged in light-hearted banter, and the guards easily assumed their roles (Stanford Prison Experiment). However, within a few days, the guards began to display increasingly authoritarian and abusive behavior toward the prisoners. The guards imposed strict rules, using tactics such as sleep deprivation, forced exercise, and solitary confinement to maintain their power and control over the prisoners (“The Stanford Prison Experiment (Documentary)” 00:15–23). The prisoners, on the other hand, became increasingly passive and obedient.
As a consequence, the prisoners began to experience intense emotional distress, with some developing symptoms of depression and anxiety. One prisoner was released early due to an emotional breakdown, while another began to show signs of a psychosomatic rash (“The Stanford Prison Experiment (Documentary)” 00:17–20). Conversely, the guards became increasingly sadistic and abusive, even when the researchers were not observing them (Stanford Prison Experiment). The study was terminated after six days when a graduate student, Christina Maslach, raised concerns about the ethical implications of the experiment. Zimbardo later admitted that he had become too invested in the study to recognize the extent of the abuse.
Factors That Create the Urge to Conform Among the Adolescents
Adolescence is a critical stage in human development characterized by various cognitive, social, and emotional changes. During this period, Telzer et al. posit that adolescents are particularly susceptible to the influence of their peers and the desire to conform to social norms. Several factors influence this desire, including group pressure, social acceptance, and social norms.
Group Pressure
Group pressure is the force a group exerts on someone to compel them to adapt to its values, beliefs, and behaviors. Adolescents often experience group pressure from their peers, and they may conform to group norms to gain acceptance and avoid ridicule or ostracism (Telzer et al.). In the Stanford Prison Experiment, participants were randomly assigned to play the role of prisoners or guards in a simulated prison environment. The guards quickly adopted authoritarian attitudes and engaged in abusive behavior towards the prisoners. Likewise, adolescents may adhere to group norms to avoid rejection or gain acceptance, even if those norms go against their values or beliefs.
Social Norms
Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations that govern behavior in a particular social context. Adolescents may conform to social norms to fit in and avoid standing out from the group. The guards in the Stanford Prison Experiment quickly adopted the societal conventions of their assigned role, including abusive behavior toward the prisoners. This behavior was influenced by the social standards of the prison environment, which included the use of power and control by those in authority.
The prisoners, in turn, began to adhere to these norms by adopting passive and submissive behavior. This demonstrates how social norms can influence perception and lead to conformity. Similarly, teenagers might follow social norms to blend in and avoid drawing attention to themselves.
The Need for Social Acceptance
Social acceptance is a powerful motivator that can influence adolescent behavior and attitudes. The desire to be accepted by peers can increase the urge to follow group norms and expectations. In the Stanford Prison Experiment, this desire for social acceptance was evident in the prisoners and the guards. The prisoners quickly adopted a submissive and passive role in response to the guards’ authoritarian behavior. They adhered to the guards’ expectations to avoid further punishment and gain social acceptance from the other prisoners.
Similarly, the guards followed their role as authority figures and engaged in abusive and degrading behavior towards the prisoners to gain social acceptance from their fellow guards. This desire for social acceptance can also be seen in everyday adolescent behavior. For example, adolescents may conform to their peers’ clothing choices, music preferences, or social activities to fit in and be accepted. This can be especially true in adolescence, where the desire to be accepted by peers is often heightened.
Forces That Can Counteract Conformity Among Adolescent Peer Groups
Parental Involvement
Parental involvement is a crucial factor in countering conformity among adolescent peer groups. Parents actively involved in their children’s lives can provide guidance, support, and positive reinforcement (Eddy, J. Mark, et al. 210). This involvement can help young people develop their identity and resist the pressure to conform to peer group norms.
Parents can help their children develop a sense of intense self-awareness and confidence. In particular, they can help their children develop a positive self-image and clearly understand their values, beliefs, and strengths by providing a secure and nurturing environment. This awareness of themselves can enable children to withstand peer pressure and make choices guided by their values and beliefs.
Moreover, parental involvement can give the adolescent a sense of belonging and support. This is because adolescents who feel connected to their parents and have a positive relationship with them are more likely to resist the pressure from peer group norms. This connection can take many forms, from regular communication to participating in their children’s activities and social events. Thus, parents can help their children feel valued and supported, and strengthen their sense of self and ability to make independent decisions by showing an interest in their lives.
Community Involvement
Communities that provide opportunities for the youth to engage in meaningful activities, such as volunteer work or extracurricular clubs, can help them develop their sense of identity and purpose, making them less susceptible to peer pressure. Community involvement allows children to connect with others who have common interests and passions. For instance, a community organization that offers a photography club can bring together young people who share an interest in photography. This will help develop their skills and build meaningful relationships with others who share their passion.
In addition to providing opportunities, community involvement can offer mentorship and guidance from positive role models. For example, a community leader can guide and support young people, helping them develop essential skills such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking. This can help young people feel more confident in their abilities and less reliant on their peer group for validation and support.
Conclusion
The urge to conform among adolescent peer groups is a powerful social phenomenon influenced by various factors, including group pressure, social norms, and the need for social acceptance. The Stanford Prison Experiment demonstrates how individuals can conform to social roles and expectations, leading to abusive behavior and emotional distress. However, some forces can counteract conformity among adolescents. These forces include parental involvement, positive role models, and community involvement. Adolescents who receive support and encouragement from parents, teachers, and other positive influences are more likely to resist conformity pressures and make independent decisions based on their values and beliefs.
Works Cited
Cherry, Kendra. “Why Do We Try So Hard to Be Like Other People?” Verywell Mind. 2022. Web.
Eddy, J. Mark, et al. “Theory-Based Multimodal Parenting Intervention for Incarcerated Parents and Their Children.” Handbook on Children with Incarcerated Parents: Research, Policy, and Practice, 2019, pp. 219–235.
“Stanford Prison Experiment.” Prisonexp, no date. Web.
“The Stanford Prison Experiment (Documentary).” YouTube, uploaded by AnotherBoringWeek. 2013. Web.
Telzer, Eva H., et al. “Social Influence on Positive Youth Development: A Developmental Neuroscience Perspective.” Advances in Child Development and Behavior, 2018, pp. 215–258.