1. Conformity and Obedience to Authority

2. EQ: What does dystopian literature reveal about the human spirit?
EQ: How does tradition and ritual influence behavior?

3. What is Conformity?
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘conformity’? Why do people conform? What are some examples of conformity that you observe in middle school? In society, in general? What are some examples of times YOU have ‘conformed’?

4. What is Conformity?
Conformity can be defined as adjusting one's behavior or thinking to match those of other people or a group standard. There are lots of reasons why people conform, including the desire/need to fit in or be accepted by others and maintaining order in one’s life.
For example, when you go to class, do you sit in a chair like other students or sit in the aisle? Do you face the front of the room like everyone else or do you sit facing the back wall?

5. Types of Conformity
Compliance- A change in behavior without a change in opinion (going along with the group).
Internalization- A change in behavior and opinion. 'True Conformity'.
Identification- Adopting the group's views because value group membership. Often temporary.

6. Partner Activity:
Write a scenario that illustrates each type of conformity (three total scenarios):
Compliance- A change in behavior without a change in opinion (going along with the group).
Internalization- A change in behavior and opinion. 'True Conformity'.
Identification- Adopting the group's views because value group membership. Often temporary.

7. Quick Questions… Be prepared to answer!
Is CONFORMITY a good or a bad thing? Why?
List some social norms and decide if they are positive or negative.
What are three social norms that you are glad exist?
What would life be like WITHOUT social norms?