Explanations of Resistance to Social Influence

This section explores the explanations of resistance to social influence in Psychology. Resistance to social influence refers to the ability of individuals to withstand pressures to conform or obey. Psychologists have identified two key factors that contribute to this resistance: social support and locus of control. These factors help individuals maintain independence in the face of social pressure.

Explanations of Resistance to Social Influence

Social Support

Social support refers to the presence of other people who resist conforming or obeying, which can encourage an individual to do the same. This support can come from peers or other group members and can significantly reduce the pressure to conform or obey.

Social Support and Conformity

Asch’s Conformity Experiment: In Asch’s line study, when one confederate provided a correct answer that opposed the majority, the participant was more likely to resist conformity. Having an ally, even if only one, reduced conformity rates from around 32% to 5%.

Why It Works: The presence of a non-conforming peer offers psychological support, showing the individual that others share their views and that it is acceptable to deviate from the majority. This support reduces the fear of rejection or ridicule, making it easier for individuals to maintain independence.

Dissent as Empowerment: When an individual sees someone else resist conforming, they feel less isolated and more confident in their ability to challenge group pressure.

Social Support and Obedience

Milgram’s Obedience Study: In a variation of Milgram’s study, when two other confederates refused to continue giving electric shocks, obedience rates among participants dropped to only 10%. This shows that the presence of disobedient peers can greatly decrease obedience to authority.

Why It Works: The disobedience of others acts as a model, demonstrating that defiance is possible and that authority does not have absolute control. When individuals observe others resisting, they feel encouraged to challenge authority themselves, rather than automatically following commands.

Key Points on Social Support

Social support strengthens resistance by reducing the perceived need to conform or obey.

It highlights the importance of allies in promoting independent behaviour, especially in social contexts with strong pressure to conform or obey.

Locus of Control

The concept of locus of control was introduced by Julian Rotter in 1966 and refers to an individual's belief about the control they have over events in their life. It is a personality dimension that lies on a continuum, ranging from internal to external locus of control.

Internal vs. External Locus of Control

Internal Locus of Control: Individuals with an internal locus of control believe that they are in control of their own lives and outcomes. They see events as primarily a result of their own actions and decisions.

Characteristics: Internals tend to be more confident, independent, and achievement-oriented. They are more likely to resist social influence, as they feel they are responsible for their own actions.

External Locus of Control: Individuals with an external locus of control believe that external factors (e.g., fate, luck, or powerful others) influence events in their lives. They feel less personal control and are more likely to attribute outcomes to situational factors beyond their control.

Characteristics: Externals are generally more passive and are more likely to conform or obey, as they perceive authority or social pressure as determining factors.

Locus of Control and Resistance to Social Influence

Internals and Resistance: Those with an internal locus of control are more likely to resist pressures to conform or obey. They believe they are responsible for their actions and thus feel more capable of standing by their decisions, even if it means going against social norms or authority.

Externals and Susceptibility: Externals are typically more susceptible to social influence because they feel less in control and are more likely to defer responsibility to others, particularly authority figures.

Research Evidence: Studies have found that individuals with an internal locus of control are generally more likely to exhibit independent behaviour. For instance, in situations like Milgram’s obedience study, internals would be more likely to resist giving shocks, as they attribute moral responsibility to themselves rather than the authority figure.

Evaluation of Locus of Control

Strengths:

• Predictive Value: Locus of control has predictive value in determining how individuals are likely to respond in social influence situations.
• Supporting Research: There is empirical evidence suggesting that those with an internal locus of control are less likely to conform or obey.

Limitations:

• Situational Factors: While locus of control is a significant factor, it is not the sole determinant of resistance. Situational variables (e.g., strength of authority, context) can also influence whether a person will resist social influence.
• Cultural Differences: The effectiveness of internal locus of control in promoting resistance may vary across cultures, as some cultures place higher value on obedience and collectivism, potentially overriding individual differences in locus of control.

Summary of Resistance to Social Influence

Social Support: The presence of dissenting allies reduces conformity and obedience by offering psychological reassurance and decreasing isolation. Social support models independence, showing individuals that resistance is possible.

Locus of Control: Individuals with an internal locus of control are more likely to resist social influence, as they feel personally responsible for their actions. In contrast, those with an external locus of control are more likely to conform or obey due to their tendency to attribute control to external factors.

Understanding these factors is crucial in recognising how individuals maintain autonomy despite social pressures. By recognising the roles of social support and personality, psychologists gain valuable insights into how to foster independent behaviour and resistance to undue social influence.