Individuality & Conformity in Groups

As social animals, human beings have a need to belong. Human beings need the stimulus of other human beings to reach their full potential. One’s identity is formed and influenced by the groups one belongs to. Humans are by nature sociable beings that must learn to cooperate for peaceful existence to occur but are also individual personalities who seek their own self fulfilment. Belonging to groups; family, social or environmental groups, can have immeasurable benefits. But while groups do provide one with a sense of identity, security and protection it can however result in sacrifices to selfhood and can entail certain inevitable costs. Groups tend to be self policing and apply criteria for membership and not everyone can fit that criteria. In order to belong, it is necessary to possess certain characteristics, and those that do not have these characteristics, are apt to be excluded. So great is the human desire for acceptance and inclusion, however that the individual may well absorb many costs in their efforts to meet the standards that is asked of them.

It is impossible to even assume that one cannot be different in a group. No matter how much persons try, they cannot completely implant the morals and thinking of other members in their groups. Groups have certain protocols to be followed, which, some may follow religiously and others may not. History has presented us with great examples, like reforms brought in Europe during the period of renaissance. When religion was being followed for hundreds of years without hassle, due to peoples’ individuality and their varying ideas, religions were transformed, ideals were modernized; reforms were brought about in the fields of art, music and architecture. And all this made possible because of an individualistic approach by ordinary people who were individual, within their groups and whom, we now recall as great artists, musicians, philosophers and leaders.

Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone...