How Much Does Groupthink Affect Us and Why
In contemplating the extent of my involvement with a particular group and its impact on my decisions, it is essential to acknowledge that my engagement falls within the predominant sphere. While my ideal vision revolves around a world embracing meritocracy and democracy as the paramount governing principles, the reality remains starkly evident: the group we find ourselves in, often more a product of circumstance than choice, significantly influences the minutiae of our daily existence.
In the tapestry of modern society, five overarching categories define our identities: race, gender, wealth, age, and politics. Four of these are assigned at birth, with wealth and, in certain instances, gender, and standing as exceptions, albeit within a limited scope. Predetermined from our very birth, these categories inevitably assign each individual to a specific group.
Some may question the relevance of our group affiliations. Such individuals may be perceived as naive, yet despite assertions that our group affiliations hold little significance compared to our shared historical narratives, they undeniably shape our perspectives and influence how society perceives and treats us.
Exploring why variations within my social groups dictate my thoughts reveals a phenomenon produced by society and social groups. This inquiry evolves into a profound contemplation: how does society, molded by divergent groups, exert its influence on our perspectives, even though it is essentially a product of these very groups? This phenomenon mirrors time travel paradoxes: A creates B, but later it is discovered that B was created by A.
Upon analysis, society appears as a complex confederation shaped by contributions from distinct groups: the rich and the poor, men and women, individuals of varying racial backgrounds, and so forth. Paradoxically, society, a composite of these groups, reinforces the barriers that separate them. While an individual might remain indifferent to these distinctions, the collective consciousness of groups is significantly impacted.
An illustrative example of this phenomenon is the Stanford Prison Experiment. Participants, assigned roles as prisoners or guards within a simulated prison environment, exhibited acts of violence and harassment driven by their designated positions and prevailing group mentality.
The question of “Why do groups influence us?” finds an answer in the fact that we think differently, and society reinforces these differences. A rich man worries about wealth being stolen, a mindset distinct from that of the poor. However, a group of rich men consolidates these worries, leading society to address issues related to wealth distribution and treatment disparities. The extent of this group’s influence remains ambiguous, akin to the debate on the existence of free will. It depends on the individual and their inclination towards group identity and free will.
Is this group difference important? Yes and no. It is neither inherently important nor unimportant; rather, it exists naturally. Most groups are predetermined by birth and cannot be changed. Similar thinking within these groups, coupled with societal treatment based on group dynamics, can either disrupt or enhance societal harmony, depending on the context. Ultimately, group differences are part of the natural order, devoid of intrinsic importance or insignificance.
