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TopBlackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology

Term of the Month from the Encyclopedia:

Social Influence

Lisa Rachotte

Social influence is defined as change in an individual's thoughts, feelings, attitudes, or behaviors that results from interaction with another individual or a group. Social influence is distinct from conformity, power, and authority. Conformity occurs when an individual expresses a particular opinion or behavior in order to fit in to a given situation or to meet the expectations of a given other, though he does not necessarily hold that opinion or believe that the behavior is appropriate. Power is the ability to force or coerce someone to behave in a particular way by controlling her outcomes. Authority is power that is believed to be legitimate (rather than coercive) by those who are subjected to it.

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TopBook Spotlight

Classical Sociological Theory

Craig Calhoun, Joseph Gerteis, James Moody, Steven Pfaff, Indermohan Virk
ISBN: 9781405148542

This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology from its undisciplined beginnings to its current guideposts and...

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