Analyze individual and societal influences that lead to deviance from dominant group norms

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Dear Student,

Please see the following information pertaining to the individual and societal influences that lead to deviance from dominant group norms. Thank you and good luck in your future academic endeavors!

Sheena Ely, PhD(c), M.A.

Individual and Societal Influences

There are several individual and societal factors that often lead an individual to deviate from dominant social group norms. Several explanations and theories exist within the social psychology field regarding how and why individuals accept or reject social norms within groups. A group typically consists of numerous individuals interacting amongst one another according to acceptable social norms in order to achieve a desired outcome. Within that group, the members are part of a whole, one piece of the large puzzle. Using group dynamics to build a sense of belonging within a community can be invaluable concerning operational functioning of the culture and societal norms (Manning, 1994). However, the individual influence of one's self-concept, self-esteem, attitudes and behaviors and societal influences of attribution and persuasion can all prompt a group member to deviate from the prevailing, established social group norms.

Carl Rogers introduced the Self-Concept theory that focuses upon an individual's sense of their own being, based upon past and current relationships with others throughout their lifetime (Kassin, 2008). This particular theory emphasizes a person's values about their own unique characteristics; essentially, what makes up who they are and why they have become who they are as an individual. A person's idea of their self-concept can lend a great deal of information about their impulse, motivations, and the drive behind their behaviors and thoughts which guide their acceptance or rejection of group norms. According to Christopher and Hickinbottom (2008), cultural values and social norms also affect the self-concept theory concerning whether groups of people value independence or collectivity within a community. Ultimately, how an individual views themselves within their environment and group plays a direct role in developing and in evolving their concept of themselves and what norms they should abide by.

The Self-Esteem theory was popularized by the psychoanalyst Alfred Adler who concentrated upon the notion that each individual has inherent and essential value that they feel determines their worth within their world ...