Internalisation represents a deep and enduring level of conformity, characterized by the genuine adoption of a group's beliefs, values, and behaviors. This psychological process results in a profound and lasting change in individuals, influencing their attitudes and actions even in the absence of the group. This understanding is crucial for comprehending how social dynamics can lead to significant and permanent shifts in an individual's perspective.
Understanding Internalisation
- Definition: Internalisation is when an individual genuinely aligns their beliefs and values with those of a group, leading to both private and public conformity.
- Characteristics:
- Deep-seated Change: Unlike superficial conformity, internalisation leads to the realignment of an individual's beliefs and values to match those of the group.
- Persistence Beyond Group Presence: These changes in attitudes and behavior persist even when the individual is not in the direct influence of the group.
Psychological Theories Behind Internalisation
Social Influence Theory by Kelman
- Overview: Proposed by Herbert C. Kelman in 1958, this theory categorizes conformity into compliance, identification, and internalisation.
- Internalisation in this Theory: It is considered the deepest level of conformity where an individual's opinions or behavior change to reflect a genuine conversion to the group's values.
Cognitive Dissonance Theory by Festinger
- Founder: Leon Festinger, 1957.
- Link to Internalisation: This theory posits that internal conflict, or dissonance, leads to efforts to reduce this discomfort, often resulting in a genuine change to align with group norms.
Informational Social Influence
- Concept: This aspect of social influence occurs when an individual turns to the members of a group to obtain and accept accurate information about reality.
- Relation to Internalisation: An individual may internalise group norms and values when they perceive the group as a reliable source of information.
The Process of Internalisation
- 1. Exposure to Group Norms: The individual first comes into contact with the beliefs and values of a group.
- 2. Cognitive Evaluation: The individual evaluates these norms against their own existing beliefs.
- 3. Experience of Cognitive Dissonance: A discrepancy between personal beliefs and group norms creates internal conflict.
- 4. Resolution and Adoption: The individual resolves this conflict by adopting the group's norms, leading to a change in beliefs and behavior.
Real-Life Examples of Internalisation
- Religious Conversions: Individuals who convert to a new religion often undergo a deep internalisation of the beliefs and practices of that religion.
- Cultural Assimilation: Immigrants who assimilate into a new culture often internalise the values and customs of the new culture, sometimes blending them with their original cultural values.
Implications of Internalisation
Positive Implications
- Enhanced Group Cohesion: Deep conformity through internalisation fosters stronger group unity and a shared sense of purpose.
- Stability of Behavioral Changes: The changes in behavior and attitudes due to internalisation are likely to be long-lasting, if not permanent.
Negative Implications
- Potential for Loss of Individuality: An overemphasis on conforming to group norms can lead to the suppression of personal beliefs and individuality.
- Risk of Extremism: In some cases, internalisation of certain group norms can lead to the adoption of extreme beliefs or behaviors, which might be detrimental.
Factors Influencing Internalisation
- Desire for Social Acceptance: The human need to belong and be accepted by others can drive the process of internalisation.
- Group's Credibility and Attractiveness: The more credible or attractive the group is perceived to be, the higher the likelihood of internalisation.
- Consistency and Repetition of Group Norms: Repeated exposure to consistent group norms increases the likelihood of these norms being internalised.
Comparison with Other Types of Conformity
- Internalisation vs Compliance: Compliance is characterized by outward conformity without internal agreement, whereas internalisation involves a genuine change in beliefs and values.
- Internalisation vs Identification: Identification involves conforming to fulfill a role or meet an expectation, but without the deep-seated belief change seen in internalisation.
Role of Internalisation in Group Dynamics
- Influence of Normative Social Influence: Normative influence plays a significant role in internalisation, as individuals often conform to be liked or accepted.
- Impact on Self-Perception: Internalising group norms can profoundly affect an individual's self-concept and identity, aligning it more closely with the group.
Internalisation in conformity is not just a surface-level adoption of group norms but involves a fundamental shift in an individual's beliefs and values. This transformation can have lasting effects on behavior and attitudes, shaped by the dynamics and influences of the social environment. For A-Level Psychology students, understanding internalisation provides insight into the deeper aspects of social conformity and the psychological processes that drive it. This knowledge is essential for exploring how individuals and groups interact and influence each other in various social contexts.
FAQ
Internalisation plays a crucial role in the development of personal identity, as it involves the integration of group norms and values into an individual's self-concept. When a person internalises the beliefs and values of a group, these elements become part of their identity, shaping how they see themselves and how they wish to be perceived by others. This process is particularly evident during adolescence and young adulthood, where individuals are more susceptible to influence from peer groups and social circles. The beliefs and values internalised during this period can have a long-lasting impact on a person's identity, influencing their future life choices, career paths, and personal relationships. Thus, internalisation is not just about conforming to a group but about forming and refining one's identity.
Internalisation profoundly impacts an individual's decision-making process by aligning their choices with the internalised values and beliefs. Once an individual has internalised certain norms, these norms become a part of their cognitive framework, influencing how they perceive and respond to different situations. For instance, if a person has internalised environmental conservation as a value, this will significantly influence their decisions, from simple daily choices like recycling to larger life decisions like the type of car they choose to buy. This alignment of decision-making with internalised values can lead to consistent and predictable behaviour patterns, demonstrating the deep impact of internalisation on an individual's cognitive processes and actions.
Internalisation can contribute to both social harmony and conflict, depending on the nature of the internalised norms and the context. On the one hand, internalisation can promote social harmony when the internalised norms are based on positive values like mutual respect, tolerance, and cooperation. In such cases, internalisation helps in building a cohesive society with shared values, leading to peaceful coexistence and collaborative efforts for the common good. On the other hand, internalisation can lead to conflict when the adopted values are divisive, discriminatory, or extremist. Such internalisation can create social divisions, intolerance, and conflict, as seen in cases where individuals internalise radical ideologies. Therefore, the impact of internalisation on social dynamics is complex and multifaceted, capable of fostering either harmony or conflict based on the nature of the internalised beliefs.
Yes, internalisation can occur without direct interaction with the influencing group. This process often happens through indirect exposure to the group's norms and values, such as through media, literature, or observing the group's impact on others. For example, an individual might internalise certain political beliefs by following media coverage, reading about the group's ideologies, or observing the group's influence on society. This form of internalisation is particularly relevant in the digital age, where social media and online communities can have a profound influence on individuals, even without direct, personal interaction. This highlights the power of indirect influences in shaping our beliefs and behaviours and underscores the importance of understanding how various forms of media and communication can facilitate internalisation.
Internalisation plays a significant role in cultural shifts within society. When individuals internalise new cultural norms and values, they not only adopt these changes personally but also contribute to the broader societal transformation. For instance, consider the shift in attitudes towards environmental sustainability. As more individuals internalise the importance of eco-friendly practices, this not only changes their personal habits but also influences the societal norm. This collective change can lead to a wider cultural shift where sustainable practices become the norm, influencing policies, corporate practices, and community behaviours. Hence, internalisation is not just an individual psychological process but a driving force behind societal evolution, reflecting how deeply held beliefs and values within a group can lead to significant cultural transformations.
Practice Questions
Internalisation is a deep form of conformity where individuals genuinely adopt the beliefs and values of a group, leading to a permanent change in attitudes and behaviour. This differs from compliance, where individuals outwardly conform while maintaining personal disagreement, and from identification, where conformity is linked to a role or expectation without a deep-seated change in beliefs. The Social Influence Theory by Herbert C. Kelman supports the concept of internalisation. Kelman categorises conformity into compliance, identification, and internalisation, with internalisation being the deepest level where changes in opinion or behaviour reflect a genuine conversion to the group's values.
A real-life example of internalisation can be seen in religious conversions, where individuals deeply internalise the beliefs and practices of a new religion. This process illustrates the profound psychological implications of internalisation. It leads to a permanent change in the individual's worldview, impacting their values, behaviours, and identity. The individual's alignment with the group's beliefs is not just superficial but becomes an integral part of their self-concept. This example highlights how internalisation can lead to significant personal transformation, influencing not just outward behaviour but also the individual's internal belief system and identity.
