Perspectives on Minority Influence

This volume explores how minorities influence majorities, challenging traditional views on social influence. Perspectives on Minority Influence offers new insights into group dynamics.

In Perspectives on Minority Influence, the contributors delve into the dynamics of social processes by focusing on the often-overlooked role of minority influence. This book offers a fresh perspective that appeals not only to social and community psychologists but also to political scientists seeking to understand the mechanisms by which beliefs and behaviors can be transformed. The traditional view of influence, which typically emphasizes conformity to majority views, is challenged here, as the contributors argue for a more nuanced understanding of how minorities can shape societal norms, especially in contexts marked by rapid change and innovation.

The book is structured into two main parts. The first part investigates the mechanisms of influence itself, exploring how minorities can assert their perspectives in a way that resonates with the majority. The second part situates these processes within group dynamics, highlighting the interactions that occur between minority and majority groups. This approach not only enriches our understanding of influence but also re-examines established concepts such as 'the group', 'deviance', and 'convergence'.

By presenting original research paradigms and a wealth of theoretical and empirical findings, Perspectives on Minority Influence offers valuable insights into the complexities of social influence. The contributors collectively argue that to fully comprehend the nature of influence, one must consider the significant impact that minority groups can have within social contexts, thereby providing a more comprehensive view of societal change.