A Social Psychological Example Of Conformity In Film

Conformity is probably the most obvious example of a social psychological example in this movie. Due to social influence conformity is shown within the first few moments of the film. The main vote is an example of a public vote and normal influences. Jurors vote by a show of hand. Several jurors exhibit definite signs of being undecided but give in to groups pressures and vote guilty. Only one (Fonda) withstands the initial pressure. Fonda’s vote of not guilty negates tis presumptions but supports the theory when the majority rulings are immediate and widespread conformity will result. Conformity is enhanced by the immediacy element of social impact theory. Within the confines of the juror’s room dissention would be hard. Without anonymous
votes dissention is very difficult. Perceptions of norms is unequivocally a factor to enhancing conformity. Stereotyping and prejudice were rampant at the time this movie was filmed. According to Solomon Asch, a prominent social psychologist, older individuals are less likely to conform. The oldest juror is the first one to break from conformity and switch his vote to not guilty. Conformity occurs through normative social influence, informational social influence and lastly through social impact and majority influences. “Twelve Angry Men” highlights the efficiency of these theories.