Types and Explanations of Conformity
Think of conformity as happening at three different levels, like stages of commitment. Compliance is the shallowest level - you go along with the group publicly but privately think they're wrong. It's like laughing at a joke you don't find funny just to fit in.
Identification sits in the middle - you actually start believing what the group believes, but only when you're around them. Internalisation is the deepest level where you genuinely change your mind and adopt new beliefs permanently, even when alone.
Normative Social Influence (NSI) explains why we conform emotionally - we desperately want to be accepted and avoid rejection. This kicks in strongest when you're with strangers (fear of being rejected), close friends (wanting their approval), or during stressful times when you need support.
Quick Tip: NSI is all about feelings - you conform because you want to belong, not because you think others are right.
