Table of ContentsIntroductionExploring the Power of Social ConformityConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionConformity, a powerful social force, shapes an individual's actions and beliefs in response to desire for acceptance or belonging to a group. . This phenomenon is vividly described in Wes Moore's story, "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates," which reveals the contrasting life trajectories of two young men, both named Wes Moore, from from the same neighborhood. Despite their shared experiences growing up without a father, social conformity significantly influences their choices and outcomes, propelling one toward incarceration and the other toward the role of platoon sergeant. Meanwhile, the article titled “Family Correlates of Social Skills Deficits Among Incarcerated and Non-Incarcerated Adolescents,” authored by M. Eileen Matlack and MS Mac McGreevy, provides in-depth insight into the impact of family structure and family environment on incarcerated and non-incarcerated adolescents. teenagers.Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on 'Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned'?Get the original essayExplore the power of social conformityMatlack and McGreevy's paper reveals: 'Kellam discovered that children who had just entering third grade and who came from mothers-only families were the most maladaptively aggressive, as noted by teachers; children in mother/father families had fewer behavioral problems. » In Wes Moore's case, the absence of his alcoholic father left a significant void in his life. This absence caused Wes to admire his brother Tony, who was immersed in drug dealing. Despite Tony's involvement in illicit activities, he made serious efforts to guide young Wes toward academic pursuits and away from trouble. However, the pervasive influence of social conformity led Wes down a different path, ultimately leading to his own involvement in drug dealing and subsequent incarceration. It becomes apparent that the concept of social conformity extends its reach beyond just Wes, influencing Tony's choices and behaviors as well. As Elliot Aronson's "The Social Animal" says: "Because all human beings spend much of their time interacting with other people - being influenced by them, influencing them, being delighted, amused, saddened by them – it is natural for us to develop assumptions about social behavior. "In Tony's case, his association with the dangerous Murphy House neighborhood exposed him to the omnipresent drug trade, gradually drawing him into this perilous world. In contrast, Wes Moore's life took a different turn after the aged three when he lost his father. Raised by his mother, who struggled alone to care for her three children while dealing with the loss of her husband, Wes's journey takes him to Riverdale Country School. a private institution attended primarily by white students. Wes's public school friends mock his attendance at a private school, prompting him to downplay his academic affiliation in an attempt to fit in. This quest for acceptance. by peers is clearly illustrated when Wes, when asked about his experiences in the predominantly white Riverdale school, responds in a manner designed to align himself with his public school peers. As the book explains, "In the neighborhood. , your school affiliation was essential. Even if you weren't part of the coolest clique, you still got your reputation percentage from your school, and the name Riverdale wasn't going to impress.., 41(164), 37-51.