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A review by tonstantweader
Conformity: The Power of Social Influences by Cass R. Sunstein
3.0
Conformity is the most recent book by the prolific Cass R. Sunstein. This time he is looking at how our innate desire to fit in with those in our group, however we define our group, can lead to good decisions or bad decisions, how it can lead to polarization and even extremism, and what can help us to better decision making.
Sunstein digs deeply into the research on conforming from the shocking Milgram and Sherif studies of the past to more nuanced and ethical modern research. It was interesting to see that when people of like-mind deliberate together they actually become more extreme, but even one participant in the discussion of a different opinion can moderate their opinions. Even judges tend to go along with the opinions of their colleagues. Again and again, Sunstein shows that a diversity of viewpoints leads to better decision-making and even presents that as a legitimate reason for universities to pursue diversity in admissions, why we should seek diversity in judicial appointments, and more.
Conformity is interesting and and well worrth reading. I will confess, though, that Sunstein reviewed one study after another after another, so much so that I kept losing my place. It often felt like I was reading the same thing since many of the studies were similar.
Reading this reminded me of my senior-year high school yearbook and being named “Noncomformist of the Year.” Changing my opinion to fit in with the group has never been my thing. However, I have seen it happen, particularly in places that are very homogeneous like where I grew up. Political homogeneity has people who live over 1500 miles from the Mexican border fretting over an invasion. It feels like collective delusion, but perhaps that what conformity looks like.
Conformity is a short book, packed with substance. We live in perilous times made more perilous by the poor decision-making and poor thought processes caused by conformity. The polarization and extremism of like-minded people pushing each other to ever more extreme positions has led to one political party no longer believing in the idea of loyal opposition. We have to figure out how to change this trajectory or we will all suffer. Conformity gives us some ideas on how to change our direction.
The first time I read something by Sunstein was after Bush v. Gore, “Order Without Law” his contribution to a book with Judge Richard Posner. Since then he has written so many books that are worth reading, giving us the tools to make our democracy more healthy. Too bad we don’t follow his advice.
I received an e-galley of Conformity from the publisher through NetGalley.
★★★
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/9781479867837/
Sunstein digs deeply into the research on conforming from the shocking Milgram and Sherif studies of the past to more nuanced and ethical modern research. It was interesting to see that when people of like-mind deliberate together they actually become more extreme, but even one participant in the discussion of a different opinion can moderate their opinions. Even judges tend to go along with the opinions of their colleagues. Again and again, Sunstein shows that a diversity of viewpoints leads to better decision-making and even presents that as a legitimate reason for universities to pursue diversity in admissions, why we should seek diversity in judicial appointments, and more.
Conformity is interesting and and well worrth reading. I will confess, though, that Sunstein reviewed one study after another after another, so much so that I kept losing my place. It often felt like I was reading the same thing since many of the studies were similar.
Reading this reminded me of my senior-year high school yearbook and being named “Noncomformist of the Year.” Changing my opinion to fit in with the group has never been my thing. However, I have seen it happen, particularly in places that are very homogeneous like where I grew up. Political homogeneity has people who live over 1500 miles from the Mexican border fretting over an invasion. It feels like collective delusion, but perhaps that what conformity looks like.
Conformity is a short book, packed with substance. We live in perilous times made more perilous by the poor decision-making and poor thought processes caused by conformity. The polarization and extremism of like-minded people pushing each other to ever more extreme positions has led to one political party no longer believing in the idea of loyal opposition. We have to figure out how to change this trajectory or we will all suffer. Conformity gives us some ideas on how to change our direction.
The first time I read something by Sunstein was after Bush v. Gore, “Order Without Law” his contribution to a book with Judge Richard Posner. Since then he has written so many books that are worth reading, giving us the tools to make our democracy more healthy. Too bad we don’t follow his advice.
I received an e-galley of Conformity from the publisher through NetGalley.
★★★
https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2019/06/17/9781479867837/