Norms and attitude change II: The phenomenon of bipolarization

Abstract

In a preceding article we discussed the links between n o r m and attitude change: a particular phenomenon in this relation will be developed in the present article. In the general framework of attitude change in collective or group situations, we shall discuss here some results which emerged from an experiment presented in a preceding article (cf. Paicheler, 1976). The importance and novelty of the phenomenon called for a separate examination and confirmation by means of specific procedures. In the first article, we emphasized the special and particular relations which exist between the normative climate and polarization. As different authors did before us (Moscovici and Zavalloni, 1969; Myers and Bishop, 1970;Fraser, 1971; Fraser, Gouge and Billig, 1971), by 'polarization' we are referring to the fact that, during and following an interaction, groups tend to adopt more extreme positions than those held by its members initially, that is, before the interaction. The change of positions moves in a particular direction which is the reflection of norms existing on a more global level in the group or groups to which the individuals belong. The initial tendency of the group, biasedEur.

Polarization of attitudes in homogeneous and heterogeneous groups

“…These groups also manifest comparable tendencies: an apparent convergence in the consensus phase which masks a phenomenon of bipolarization, which we explored in (Paicheler, 1977). We observe a stronger tendency to resist the antifeminist confederate's influence in all-male groups, but the differences do not reach a significant level.…”

“…We shall not repeat herein our conclusions based on these results (strong polarization in the consensus and post-consensus phases, with a slight regression in postconsensus phase); these were discussed at length in previous studies (Paicheler, 1974;Paicheler, 1976;Paicheler 1977).…”

The Interactive Impacts of High School Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) on College Student Attitudes Toward LGBT Individuals: An Investigation of High School Characteristics

“…Instead, a second reason that having a GSA in high school may be related to supportive attitudes toward LGBT individuals may be the fact that a high school with a GSA likely promotes (or at least supports) a pro-LGBT zeitgeist. For example, Paicheler (1976Paicheler ( , 1977Paicheler ( , 1979 found that when the zeitgeist was favorable toward minority groups, the overall influence of the minority group was enhanced; however, an unfavorable zeitgeist was related to a reduction in minority group influence (see also Clark & Maass, 1988). Thus, the existence of a high school GSA is likely a proxy measure for the overall high school climate as it may be related to LGBT issues.…”

When rigidity does not fail: Individualization and psychologization as resistances to the diffusion of minority innovations

“…The importance of consistency in minority influence has in fact been demonstrated on several occasions (especially Mugny, 1975b;Paicheler. 1977).…”