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NSWSociety and CultureQuick questions
Depth Study: Social Conformity and Nonconformity
Quick questions on Nonconformity and social change in the HSC Society and Culture options
2short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is nonconformity as the engine of change?Show answer
Conformity sustains continuity, but nonconformity is a major engine of change. Because change requires someone to depart from the existing norm, almost every significant social transformation begins with nonconformists who reject what is accepted. By questioning, resisting and proposing alternatives, nonconformists open space for new attitudes, practices and laws. Treating nonconformity as functional, the necessary friction that allows a society to evolve, is the core insight of this dot point.
What are social movements?Show answer
The most powerful vehicle for nonconformity-driven change is the social movement: organised collective action to transform attitudes, norms or laws. Movements begin as nonconforming minorities, attract social control and resistance, build support, and can ultimately shift the mainstream and change the law. In Australia, the women's movement, the campaign for Aboriginal rights and land rights, the environmental movement, and the campaign for marriage equality all began as nonconformity and produced lasting change. Each shows the full cycle from dissent to new norm.
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