What is the Difference Between Obedience and Conformity?

The main difference between obedience and conformity lies in the source of influence and the level of authority involved. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Obedience refers to the behavioral trait of being compliant with an order, request, or law, or submitting to another's authority. It involves a direct power of authority that influences others to be obedient. Obedience is typically associated with following rules or instructions from someone of a higher status, such as parents, teachers, or bosses.
• Conformity refers to the act or behavior of a person that matches that of a certain group of people. It involves adapting one's own beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors to align with those of a group. Conformity is more related to socially accepted conventions and is influenced by peers or people of equal status.

In summary:

• Obedience is a response to direct orders or authority, usually from someone of a higher status.
• Conformity is the act of adopting the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors of a group, typically consisting of peers or people of equal status.

Both obedience and conformity involve a certain degree of surrendering of one's own beliefs or desires to fit in with others or to comply with authority. However, the source of influence and the level of authority are different. While obedience is influenced by a direct authority figure, conformity is influenced by the opinions and behaviors of a larger group.

Comparative Table: Obedience vs Conformity

The main differences between obedience and conformity are:

1. Origin: Obedience comes from authoritative figures like teachers and policemen, while conformity is influenced by peers and the desire to fit in with a group.

2. Social Influence: Conformity involves matching attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to group norms and is a form of social influence. Obedience is also a form of social influence, but it is directed by a specific person or authority figure.

3. Purpose: Conformity is about fitting in with a group and maintaining social bonds. Obedience, on the other hand, involves following rules and orders from authority figures, often with a perceived consequence if the rules are not followed.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between obedience and conformity:

In summary, obedience is about following rules and orders from authority figures, while conformity is about fitting in with a group and adhering to shared norms. Both concepts involve social influence, but they differ in origin, purpose, and social influence.