To Conform or Not to Conform?

We are all influenced by our family members, friends, colleagues, and society at large as reflected in our schools, community groups, and the media. The pressure to conform to social norms can make society better, for example, when people behave kindly towards others or wait their turn in lineups. However, when social norms pressure individuals to behave or live their lives in ways that go against their goals and values, social conformity can create stress for people. Our everyday interactions and unspoken exchanges with family members influence how we see the world and how we behave…