SOCIOLOGYProfessor Crain

Key Lecture Topics• Social influence is defined as change in an individual’s

thoughts, feelings, attitudes, or behaviors that results from interaction with another individual or a group. Social influence is distinct from conformity, power, and authority. Conformity occurs when an individual expresses a particular opinion or behavior in order to fit in to a given situation or to meet the expectations of a given other, though he does not necessarily hold that opinion or believe that the behavior is appropriate. Power is the ability to force or coerce in a particular way by controlling the outcomes. Authority is power that is believed to be legitimate (rather than coercive) by those who are subjected to it.

Discussion Questions (choose 1)• How do you see conformity in everyday life?• Everyone has power, even if we feel powerless. Often

times we easily call ourselves powerless because it assumes less responsibility. But the truth is we all have power, because its relational. Describe an instance when you used power to control a situation. Why did you feel like you had power in the situation? Was it necessary to exert your power and control? What would have happened if you didn’t use power?