Social influence Study Guide

The NatCen (National Centre for Social Research) 2011 study on the August riots in England was a significant piece of research commissioned by the Cabinet Office. Its primary aim was to understand the motivations and characteristics of those involved in the widespread unrest, looting, and violence that occurred across several English cities in August 2011. The methodology involved interviewing individuals who had been involved in the riots, as well as a comparison group of young people from similar areas who had not participated. Researchers used a 'snowball sampling' technique, starting with known participants and then asking them to identify others. The study employed semi-structured interviews, allowing for both pre-determined questions and the flexibility to explore emerging themes in depth. Key findings revealed a complex picture of motivations, including opportunism (looting for goods), excitement, a sense of injustice or grievances against the police, and peer pressure. Socioeconomic factors like poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities were identified as underlying issues. The study also highlighted the role of social media in facilitating communication and organisation during the events. While providing valuable insights, the study faced criticisms regarding its methodology, particularly the representativeness of the sample due to its reliance on self-reporting and the snowball sampling method, which may have led to a biased sample. Ethical considerations were paramount, including ensuring the anonymity and safety of participants who were often in vulnerable situations or facing legal repercussions. The findings had implications for policy, suggesting a need for addressing social inequality, improving police-community relations, and understanding the role of new technologies in social unrest.

Dispositional explanations of social influence focus on internal characteristics or traits of an individual that make them more or less likely to conform or obey. Unlike situational explanations, which look at external factors in the environment, dispositional theories suggest that a person's personality, attitudes, or beliefs predispose them to act in certain ways when faced with social pressure. A key example is the Authoritarian Personality, proposed by Adorno et al. (1950). This personality type is believed to be highly susceptible to obeying authority and is characterised by a strong belief in conventional values, a tendency to be hostile towards those perceived as 'inferior', and a rigid adherence to strict social rules. Adorno suggested that this personality develops in childhood due to harsh parenting styles, leading individuals to displace aggression onto minority groups while revered authority figures. Research investigating this link often involves psychometric tests, such as the F-scale (F for Fascism), to measure authoritarian traits. While dispositional factors can offer some insight into why individuals might respond differently to social influence, they are often criticised for oversimplifying complex behaviours and overlooking the significant impact of situational variables.