How does conformity differ from obedience?

Conformity is the act of adjusting one's behaviour to fit in with a group, while obedience is following orders from an authority figure.

Conformity and obedience are two important concepts in social psychology. Conformity refers to the tendency of individuals to adjust their behaviour to fit in with the group, while obedience refers to the act of following orders from an authority figure.

Conformity can be influenced by a number of factors, including the desire to be liked or accepted by others, the need for social validation, and the fear of rejection or exclusion from the group. Conformity can also be influenced by the size and unanimity of the group, as well as the perceived expertise or status of the group members.

Obedience, on the other hand, is often driven by the desire to comply with authority, as well as the fear of punishment or negative consequences for non-compliance. Obedience can also be influenced by the perceived legitimacy or credibility of the authority figure, as well as the proximity and immediacy of the situation.

While both conformity and obedience involve adjusting one's behaviour to fit in with others, they differ in terms of the source of influence. Conformity is influenced by the group, while obedience is influenced by authority. Understanding these concepts can help us better understand the social dynamics of groups and the impact of authority on individual behaviour.