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Conformity

Conformity is a social-psychological process characterized by a change in an individual's opinion, beliefs, or behavior in response to pressure or influence from other people or social groups, with the aim of complying with sociocultural norms, expectations, or standards, regardless of the individual's own beliefs or preferences. This process may include both the public expression of agreement with the opinion of the majority (surface conformity) and the internal acceptance of new beliefs or behavioral patterns (deep conformity), and may depend on various factors, including social pressure, the status and authority of the source of influence, and the degree of individual confidence and self-identification. The study of conformity is important for understanding social dynamics and the mechanisms by which the social environment influences people's behavior and beliefs.