Conformity as a Psychological Concept
Conformity
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16th March, 2013
The psychological concept of conformity refers to a shift in thought or character due to external influence - real or imagined. More often than not, people find themselves believing that since more people are doing some things, then they also should. This may not necessarily be good, but a lot of times, we find it hard to resist flowing with the crowd. In other instances, our peers contribute to the external in what is considered peer pressure. Several groups of people become victims of this kind of pressure on a regular basis. Songs are good examples of medium through which peer pressure is exemplified. Since time immemorial, songs have always carried the message of conforming to current fashion and trends.
Katy Perry’s song Last Friday Night depicts the scene of a party she hosted and was attended by friends on a Friday night. In certain neighborhoods, house parties where alcohol flows freely are held frequently. The hosts always try as much as they can to outdo the previous hosts in terms of quality of entertainment offered. The clip shows several instances where the patrons at the party try to hook up with partners who seem to be the envy of most youth. The other patrons seem to be struggling to fit into the bracket. Katy herself is the victim of such a struggle – she wants to identify with the crowd that appears to be “with it”. In so doing, she is trying to conform to what her peers think is cool.
Therefore, it is sufficient to say that the song depicts the psychological concept of conformity. As the clip ends, Katy’s parents arrive home from an event claiming that they had been tipped by her uncle of an ongoing party at the house. In the conversation that ensues, she asks her parents about their partying ways in their youth. Apparently, her uncle had alluded to it during the party. They affirm and even go ahead to
Student Name:
Student Number:
Course Code:
Instructor:
16th March, 2013
The psychological concept of conformity refers to a shift in thought or character due to external influence - real or imagined. More often than not, people find themselves believing that since more people are doing some things, then they also should. This may not necessarily be good, but a lot of times, we find it hard to resist flowing with the crowd. In other instances, our peers contribute to the external in what is considered peer pressure. Several groups of people become victims of this kind of pressure on a regular basis. Songs are good examples of medium through which peer pressure is exemplified. Since time immemorial, songs have always carried the message of conforming to current fashion and trends.
Katy Perry’s song Last Friday Night depicts the scene of a party she hosted and was attended by friends on a Friday night. In certain neighborhoods, house parties where alcohol flows freely are held frequently. The hosts always try as much as they can to outdo the previous hosts in terms of quality of entertainment offered. The clip shows several instances where the patrons at the party try to hook up with partners who seem to be the envy of most youth. The other patrons seem to be struggling to fit into the bracket. Katy herself is the victim of such a struggle – she wants to identify with the crowd that appears to be “with it”. In so doing, she is trying to conform to what her peers think is cool.
Therefore, it is sufficient to say that the song depicts the psychological concept of conformity. As the clip ends, Katy’s parents arrive home from an event claiming that they had been tipped by her uncle of an ongoing party at the house. In the conversation that ensues, she asks her parents about their partying ways in their youth. Apparently, her uncle had alluded to it during the party. They affirm and even go ahead to
References: Palmeri, J. M. 2011. Peer Pressure and Alcohol use amongst College Students. Applied Psychology. New York University. Retrieved from Urbanski, D. 2011. Music Discussions: Last Friday Night (T. G. I. F.). A Quick Music Discussion Guide. The Source for Youth Ministry. Retrieved from YouTube Video (Hit Song) KatyPerryVEVO. 2011. Katy Perry – Last Friday Night (T. G. I. F.). Retrieved from