The Development of Social Compliance in Young Children1

Social conformity as an aspect of mental health has increasingly concerned social scientists, professional workers in the field of mental health, and laymen alike. In the last few years, observers of the American scene have noted a number of trends toward such conformity; and many of these observers have predicted dire consequences of these trends, both for individual mental health and for our general cultural progress. The determinants and processes entering into social conformity or nonconformity are obviously involved and complex. Only recently have some of the more simple relationships been understood. From a sociological point of view, a number of writers and researchers are gradually establishing a more concise picture of certain trends toward social conformity in this country, and have elucidated several factors producing some of these changes. However, much less is known about the effects of these trends on individuals who experience them. Certain aspects of social conformity are obviously necessary for the maintenance of society. Mature members of any society are required to comply with many social demands, prohibitions, and regulations. Effective social participation, however, also demands autonomous action as well as social compliance. Socially-contributive ipdividuals must be able to make decisions on their own, to engage in self-initiated activities, and to withstand social pressures when these run counter to personal values. Thus, extremes of conformity or nonconformity may not only limit an individual's social effectiveness but also be deleterious to his personal integration and mental health.