Citation

Bernard J. Am. J. Sociol. 1941; 47(1): 24-38.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1941, University of Chicago Press)

DOI

10.1086/218820

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

To the four factors offered by F. H. Allport as explaining the shape of conformity curves, the present article adds a fifth, namely, the nature of the norm regulating the conformity behavior. Some norms are stated in such a way that over-conformity is impossible; other norms, however, are stated in such a way that over-conformity is possible. The J-curve is characteristic in situations where over-conformity is impossible and where the norms is not too difficult for most persons. In other situations skewed normal curves may be expected. For purposes of measuring conformity behavior, a classification of societal norms based on the susceptibility to measurement of deviations from the norms is presented. Suggestions with respect to measuring techniques are also presented.