Welcome to Blackwell Sociology

Blackwell Publishing is one of the world's leading social science publishers, representing the very best in academic research and student learning. This website provides easy access to all of our book, journal and other resources in sociology and related fields.

You can browse this subject by using the menu to the left, or you can access a number of popular features by using one of the following links:       

• list of journals
• sample journal articles
• list of books
• list of recently released and forthcoming books
• list of books series 

SOCIOLOGY subjects

Sociology General, Introductions to Sociology, History of Sociology, Research Methodologies, Social Theory , Marxist Theory, Feminist Theory, More Subjects

TopSpecial Offers

Discounts on Blackwell titles are available for our authors, editors, contributors, referees and members of the societies for whom we publish. To obtain your discount please place your order directly with Blackwell Publishing using the appropriate form.

• Blackwell Editor or Author
• Contributor to Blackwell journal
• Referee for Blackwell journal
• Member of a society for whom Blackwell publishes                  

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.

click here for the remainder of this article 

 Search for related articles

Visit Blackwell Synergy to search for articles related to the Term of the Month 

TopBook Spotlight