Question

How do the social institutions of our country (e.g., schools, the healthcare system, the economy, religious organizations)play a role in encouraging social conformity, as well as social deviance?

Answer 1

As children, we are influenced far easier by our surroundings than we are as adults. When we are young school has a huge influence on us, as we spend so much time there, and it promotes values to us; it suggests simple 'rights and wrongs' etc. In Western, capitalist societies, we are taught that it is desirable to be rich and successful, as opposed to settled and comfortable.

Religion has factors such as the 10 Commandments which will influence those exposed to it, although I'd argue those Commandments are followed by non-religious families as they are practically just a guideline to "good morals".

The media has an outrageous influence on people, and this stems directly from the economy. People will watch a music video, see what a celebrity is wearing, and emulate their style. People tend to follow trends as opposed to being a bit more unique (everyone is unique, but some more than others!!).

These are all examples of how these institutions influence people, and it does encourage social conformity. I mean, in school, so often we are told that we should all want to go to University. So what about those who aren't as gifted when it comes to school work? They have to go for jobs such as plumbing and building, which many gifted students wouldn't be able to cope with. So why then, are their wages so much lower than the wages of educated people?