University at Albany Conformity and Deviance Discussion

In this exercise, we’ll be thinking about some of the social psychological factors that influence whether we conform or deviate from the norm.

Write one or two short paragraphs answering the questions below:

1. Despite the fact that deviance is a constant in all societies, most people usually conform to social rules, norms, and laws. Why do you think that is? What are the benefits of conforming? What are the drawbacks to conforming?
2. Now, think about a personal experience in which you had the opportunity or temptation to do something deviant but ultimately decided to conform. (Your example doesn’t have to about a criminal violation or even something that society may consider bad; deviant behaviors also include those that we consider weird but harmless.) What made you decide to stop? Were you thinking about the consequences? Were you thinking about people who were close to you and how they would respond if they found out about your deviance?

As usual, you do not have to include any details that you wish to keep private.