Conformity

(From conform: L. conformo). 1) Characteristic feature in social behavior of uncritical or blind acceptance of the existing order and the dominant ideology, values, and norms. 2) Psychological trait of individuals who subordinate themselves to group pressure, adapting to the opinions of the majority. Inability to form a position of one’s own or to make independent decisions. The social behavior of c. has great importance for the State bureaucracy because, of course, c. reinforces its power, paving the way for manipulation. For N.H., an appropriate formation of the personality implies the overcoming of c., education for learning to choose for oneself beyond the prejudices that prevail in contemporary society.