Overview & Description: Normative social influence involves conforming in order to be accepted and belong to a group by adhering to its norms, values, and behaviors. This type of influence often leads to public compliance rather than private acceptance.

Example: You may start wearing similar clothing to the people in your peer group to gain acceptance, even if you personally prefer a different style.

Implications: This concept has profound implications for understanding group dynamics, conformity, peer pressure, and cultural assimilation across various domains including social, organizational, and educational psychology.

References:

• Deutsch, M., & Gerard, H. B. (1955). A study of normative and informational social influences upon individual judgment. The journal of abnormal and social psychology, 51(3), 629.