Psychology AS: Social Influence Revision

The Role Of Social Influence Processes In Social Change

Social change occurs when society adopts a new belief/behaviour which becomes widely accepted as the norm. Examples of this are:

-Homosexuality.

-Unmarried mothers.

-Recycling.

-Smoking in Public.

-Women's rights.

-Black/Ethnic Minority rights.

The Process Of  Social Change

1. Begins with minority influence. A small group of people do not agree with the majority and begin to influence others to their point of view.

2. The minority creates a cognitive conflict between the current majority view and the view of the minority. This causes the majority to think more  seriously about the minority argument.

3. If the minority are consistent, committed and flexible, it is likely that they will be successful in influencing the majority.

4. A snowball effects will occur. The minority gradually persuades more and more people to agree with their point of  view. Eventually there is a tipping point where the minority view is accepted by the majority in society.

5. Social change is accompanied by social cryptoamnesia. Society accepts the viewpoint of the minority but appears to forgot the importance of the minority group in bringing about change. Therefore the group does not receive credit for their influence.