1. To what extent does conformity influence social change?

2. Learning goal
Students will understand the relationship between conformity and alienation and how these forces influence social change

3. Minds On: Think-pair-share
What is meant by the following terms:
Traditional
Modernity

4. Traditional Modernity
Holding on to old practices (e.g. Charity, respect for the poor, land)
Modernity
All social change is inevitable and beneficial because it improves society (e.g. Technology, national wealth)

5. The sans of south africa
How have these groups changed?
Traditional
Google Image Retrieved Feb. 28, 2012, from

6. How were these groups in the past?
Bom jesus
How were these groups in the past?
Modernity
Google Image Retrieved Feb. 28, 2012, from

7. Residential schools How were these groups in the past? Modernity
Google Image Retrieved Feb. 28, 2012, from

8. Body Ritual among the Nacirema
Nacirema culture
These people spend a lot of time doing a ritual activity focused on the human body [appearance and health]
They believe that the body is ugly and can pick up diseases
There are several shrines in the houses for the ritual
Focal point of the shrine is a box/chest which is built into the wall
They keep many charms and magical potions in this chest
They believe they can’t live without them
Miner, H. (1956). Body Rituals Among the Nacirema. American Anthropologist, New Series 58 (3), pg

9. Alienation Conformity
A feeling that one does not share the major goals and values of society
Changing one’s behaviour or attitude to follow the beliefs, rules or guidelines of other people in a group
Bullying
Individual feels like an outsider
Having no friends at school
Giving up your seat to a disabled/elderly person in a crowed subway

10. “Mean Girls”:

11. Conformity at School: Scenarios Before School At School After School
Getting ready for school and your commute to school
At School
During class and lunch period
After School
After last period and into the night

12. Task: Write out your daily routine Answer the following questions:
Why do you do the tasks you have outlined?
Describe how others would treat you if you didn’t do the tasks.
How does this example relate to ideas of conformity and alienation?

13. Subjective Validity
The universal belief that our attitudes are right and proper
Reinforced through belonging to a group with similar views
Without it we feel uncertain (this is uncomfortable for us)

14. Two Types of conformity
Informational Influence
Desire to accept information that another, admired person tells us is valid
Normative Influence
Pressure to conform to the positive expectations of others

15. Consolidation: Exit Cards Name one thing you learned today
Name one thing you are having trouble understanding
Name one activity you enjoyed doing today.