Conformity and Independence (1975)

This film explores the complex dynamics of social influence, examining the tension between individual independence and the psychological pressures to conform to group norms. Through a series of foundational social psychology experiments—including Muzafer Sherif’s study on norm formation, Solomon Asch’s research on line length perception, and Stanley Milgram’s experiments on obedience and group decision-making—the documentary demonstrates how individuals often suppress their own perceptions to align with a group, even when the group is clearly incorrect. It further distinguishes between different motivations for conforming, such as the desire to be accurate (informational) versus the fear of social disapproval (normative), and introduces nuanced concepts like internalisation, identification, and compliance. Ultimately, the film challenges the viewer to consider their own susceptibility to social constraints and explores the potential for minority influence to spark social change rather than just submission. Keywords: Social psychology, conformity, independence, social influence, group dynamics, norm formation, Solomon Asch, Muzafer Sherif, Stanley Milgram, behavioral studies, social norms, compliance, social pressure, minority influence