Social Conformity is a widely known human phenomena which elucidates us as social beings. It is the variability of the person to “conform” which is give-in to the situation happening around them so they do not feel embarrassed or feel different and confronted with others in the same situation . For example, when in a social group, you are asked about the famous movie “Charlie and the chocolate factory” and everyone around you has watched it. The tendency to “conform” to watching it even though you haven’t is much more than admitting to them that you didn’t. This phenomenon is known as Social Conformity. It is the inclination for the person to “fit in” to the social norms where you may feel different and also not the same as everyone around you.

We have all been in situations which may have led us to socially conform and the frequency of this phenomenon differs from person to person. As a whole, Social Conformity is a human tendency noticed in abundance in teenagers. Teenagers are age groups ranging from 13-19 who are hormonal and have their own wants and needs developed during this phase leading them to also conform to social pressure. 

There are two types of Conformity, which are:

Normative social conformity: Conforming to social norms and expectations to gain acceptance, approval, or avoid rejection or punishment. Normative social influence is driven by the desire to fit in with others and maintain social harmony, rather than a genuine belief in the correctness of the behavior. Imagine a high school student attending a party where alcohol is being served. Even though they don’t personally believe in underage drinking, they might feel pressured to have a drink because everyone else is doing it, and they want to fit in and avoid being seen as “uncool” or socially awkward.

Informational social conformity: Conforming to the beliefs or behaviors of others because of a desire to be correct or accurate in uncertain or ambiguous situations. Individuals may look to others for guidance or information when they are unsure about how to behave or interpret a situation. Suppose someone is attending a cooking class for the first time and is unsure about how to properly chop vegetables. They observe the instructor and other participants, noting their techniques and following their lead to ensure they are doing it correctly. In this scenario, the individual relies on the expertise of others to learn the skill effectively.

Cognitive Perspective

Cognitive refers to the brain processes (attention, perception, decision-making) in humans and a cognitive perspective is necessary to understand the underlying brain processes that involve when a person is demonstrating the phenomena of social conformity. It gives an insight into how and what really leads a person to conform which is found to be necessary to understand a teenager’s perspective from the viewpoint of the parents. Few of the theories of cognitive perspectives include:

• Reinforcement learning: Reinforcement learning is a cognitive theory that suggests individuals learn and adapt their behaviors based on the consequences of their actions. In the context of social conformity, reinforcement learning posits that people conform to social norms or behaviors based on the positive or negative consequences they experience as a result. For example, if a teenager receives praise or acceptance from their peers for conforming to a particular fashion trend, they may be more likely to continue adhering to that trend in the future. This positive reinforcement strengthens the association between conforming behavior and social approval, making it more likely for the teenager to conform again in similar situations.
• Conformity bias: Conformity bias refers to the tendency of individuals to adjust their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors to align with those of a majority group, even if doing so contradicts their own perceptions or judgments. This bias arises from the desire to avoid social rejection, gain acceptance, or maintain harmony within the group. For example, if a group of teenagers is discussing their opinions on a controversial topic, such as politics or social issues, individuals may feel pressure to conform to the prevailing viewpoint expressed by the majority, even if they privately disagree. This conformity bias can lead individuals to suppress their own perspectives or doubts in order to avoid standing out or being perceived as deviant within the group
• Intrinsic utility:  A theory of conformity was proposed by B. Douglass Beenheim called the intrinsic utility model related to status of a person. In this model, people care a lot about how others see their natural inclinations, even though these inclinations can’t be directly seen. So, people’s actions become signals of what they’re really like, affecting how they’re viewed by others. When fitting in socially is more important than personal happiness, many people follow the same rules of behavior, even if they prefer different things. They do this because they know that even small deviations from these rules can hurt how others see them.

The ways in which teenagers conform to social pressure is given as follows:

Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is perhaps the most widely recognized form of social conformity among teenagers. Adolescents often find themselves influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors, attitudes, and even fashion choices to fit in with their social group. This pressure can manifest in various ways, such as conformity to norms within cliques, participation in risky behaviors to gain acceptance, or even altering one’s appearance to align with perceived ideals. Research suggests that the need for peer acceptance and fear of rejection can significantly impact teenage decision-making, leading to conformity even when individuals may have reservations.

Family Pressure

While peer pressure garners significant attention, family pressure also plays a crucial role in shaping teenage behavior and beliefs. Adolescents often face expectations from their families regarding academic achievement, career choices, and adherence to cultural or familial traditions. Considering a country like India, it seems that the prevalence of familial pressure is higher. These expectations can exert a considerable influence on teenagers, leading them to conform to familial norms and values. Family pressure can range from subtle suggestions to explicit directives, and the desire for parental approval can drive adolescents to conform, sometimes even at the expense of their own desires or beliefs. 

Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media platforms wield substantial influence over teenage behavior and self-perception. Adolescents are exposed to curated representations of lifestyles, body images, and social activities, often leading to comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. The pressure to conform to online trends, emulate influencers, and gain validation through likes and comments can be overwhelming for teenagers. Moreover, the anonymity and distance provided by social media can facilitate the spread of unrealistic standards and cyberbullying, further exacerbating the pressure to conform. Research indicates that excessive social media use is associated with heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among adolescents, highlighting the impact of digital pressures on teenage conformity.

Tips for parents to handle the teenager’s susceptibleness to social pressure

Educate about peer pressure: The susceptibility and compliance to peers is considerably higher in teenagers, therefore education regarding the potential influence they might experience is necessary for a better development of the teenagers. Teaching teenagers about peer pressure involves helping them recognize the difference between positive and negative influences from their peers. By equipping them with critical thinking skills and assertiveness techniques, parents can empower teenagers to make informed choices and resist negative peer pressure while fostering positive social interactions.

Providing open communication: Fostering an openness in communicating with your teenage children helps in giving them a window of opportunity to share their intricacies and complexities. This open dialogue cultivates trust and strengthens the parent-child relationship, allowing teenagers to feel supported and understood. By actively listening and empathizing with their experiences, parents can better guide their teenagers through the challenges of social pressure and promote healthy decision-making.

Monitoring social media usage: Monitoring the usage of social media is extremely intricate in the social conformity they might experience. Social media gives them an unrealistic expectation of how they are supposed to look like, how they are supposed to live and many more. This forms a key role for the parents to monitor their actions and activities. Teenages might not respond well to the monitoring because of the independence they crave for but if explained in a healthy way, they understand the perspectives and the negativity the parents are trying to explain to them about social media.

Portray healthy coping mechanisms: It is very likely that a teen experiences social conformity, but as a parent to elucidate healthy coping mechanisms like practicing mindfulness, journaling, creative outlets, positive self-talk and many more can help these teenagers cope healthily and make their lives better. 

Seeking professional help- If the parents notice significant changes in your teenager’s behavior, mood, or social interactions, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional or counselor. Professional support can provide additional strategies for addressing social pressures and promoting your teenager’s well-being.

       Overall, Social conformity in teenagers is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by peer, family, and digital influences. While peer pressure is often highlighted, family expectations and social media also exert significant sway over adolescent behavior and beliefs. Understanding the interplay between these various sources of influence is crucial for supporting teenagers in navigating social pressures and fostering healthy autonomy and self-expression. By fostering open communication, promoting critical thinking skills, and encouraging authentic self-discovery, parents, educators, and society can empower teenagers to resist harmful conformity and cultivate resilience in the face of social pressures.

In this fast-paced world where thoughts travel faster than souls through the various realms, it has become hard to find writers who are truly exceptional in their field. With commercialisation as the goal, many writers have compromised their writing to reach out to the masses. Yet among them stands a few such literary gems who have stood the test of time but are either forgotten or not recognised. Today we shed light on these gems on the occasion of World Book Day.

Bama Faustina Soosairaj

Bama, otherwise known as Bama Faustina Soosairaj, was born in the year 1958. She is a Tamil Dalit feminist, educator and writer who has written multiple novels and short stories. Her book Karukku, an autobiographical novel published in 1992, details the various triumphs and tribulations that Dalit Christian women encounter in Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, Bama has authored two more novels, Sangati (1994) and Vanmam (2002), as well as three collections of short stories, namely Kusumbukkaran (1996), Oru Tattvum Erumaiyum (2003) and Kandattam (2009). Bama’s impressive bibliography includes twenty short stories making her a true literary gem of India.

Easterine Kire

Easterine Kire, a writer and poet residing in the northern part of Norway, draws inspiration for her literary works from the real-life experiences of the people of Nagaland, situated in the northeastern region of India. In an interview, she expressed her compulsion to develop written literature in the Naga language, stating, “I sensed a need to generate a body of Naga literature. While we possess an extensive repertoire of oral narratives, they will all dissipate as the oral tradition fades away.” Kire’s artistic pursuits are not restricted to writing alone, as she collaborates with Jazzpoesi, a musical group, to deliver performances comprising Jazz poetry.

Jerry Pinto

Jerry Pinto, a luminary born in 1966 and based in Mumbai, is a Mumbai-based writer, poet, and journalist, known for his works that explore mental health, gender, and sexuality. He has a multitude of accomplishments to his name including his prowess as a poet, novelist, short story writer, translator and journalist. Pinto’s vast body of work comprises several notable pieces, namely Helen: The Life and Times of an H-Bomb (2006), Surviving Women (2000) and Asylum and Other Poems (2003). In 2012, his masterpiece Em and the Big Hoom was released, marking his debut as a novelist. The quality of his fiction was recognised when he was honoured with the distinguished Windham-Campbell Prize in 2016. Moreover, the celebrated wordsmith was conferred the highly coveted Sahitya Akademi Award in 2016 for his aforementioned magnum opus, Em and the Big Hoom, a true literary gem indeed.

Manoj Das

Hailing from Balasore, Odisha, Manoj Das is a bilingual Odia writer who writes in both Odia and English. A true master of dramatic expression, he believes that characters follow the theme of the story and words are merely added to represent their thoughts. A firm believer in letting his characters speak their stories, his characters hail from different backgrounds, adding new flavours to his fiction and different dimensions to human nature. Some of his famous works in Odia include Shesha basantara chithi (1966), Manoj Dasanka katha o kahani (1971), Dhumabha diganta (1971), etc. Some of his major works in English include The Crocodiles Lady: A Collection of Stories (1975), Farewell to a Ghost: Short Stories and a Novelette (1994), Cyclones (1987), A Tiger at Twilight (1991), etc.

Perumal Murugan

A man who remains true to his roots, Perumal Murugan is a writer who keeps the village that nourished him close to his heart. A chronicler of the ordinary man of India, Murugan is a writer for whom the village of India is his playground and their tales and the change of seasons are his background. The way he captures the intimate details of village life with a brutal tone is what is bound to make everyone think twice before dismissing his works. A true artist who is dedicated to his craft he decided to stop writing briefly around 2015 and declared, “Perumal Murugan the writer is dead. As he is no God, he is not going to resurrect himself. He also has no faith in rebirth. An ordinary teacher, he will live as P. Murugan. Leave him alone.” after being harassed by right-wing groups who objected to the portrayal of the characters and Hindu gods in his book, One Part Woman (2010). It was only after the Madras High Court supported his stance, dismissed the concerns of the opposition and further ordered the state government to provide appropriate protection when artistic or literary people are under attack, did Murugan picked up his writing pen once again. Some of his notable works include Poonachi: Or the Story of a Black Goat (2017), Pyre (2013), One Part Woman (2010), etc.

This World Book Day we celebrate all the writers, especially the not-so-popular ones. The ones who create literary masterpieces, more for their soul than for the readers. It is such works that creates ripples in the minds of people and carve a niche for the future, beyond their times. Wishing all the readers and writers, a happy World Book Day!

Stress, a constant companion in our fast-paced world, often hides in the shadows, impacting our mental and physical health. Recognizing its profound influence on our well-being is crucial. Stress Awareness Month, observed annually in April since 1992, is a beacon of awareness, shedding light on the causes and cures of the modern-day stress epidemic, making it a significant event in our contemporary lives.

DISCLAIMER : THE INFORMATION GIVEN BELOW IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. FOR DIAGNOSIS PLEASE CONTACT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL

Stress is a common psychological factor that can significantly impact our health. Chronic stress has been linked to a plethora of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. By managing stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices and seeking social support, individuals can mitigate its adverse effects on their health.

According to the DSM : acute stress disorder (ASD) can cause marked symptoms of anxiety or increased arousal, such as:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritability
• Poor concentration
• Hypervigilance
• Exaggerated startle response
• Motor restlessness
• Recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic event(s)

Other symptoms of ASD include:

• Restlessness
• Avoidance symptoms, such as persistent avoidance of memories, feelings, or external reminders of the trauma
• Negative effects on cognition and/or mood 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause symptoms such as:

• Losing interest in enjoyable activities
• Having feelings of social isolation
• Having difficulty feeling positive emotions, such as happiness or satisfaction
• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
• Difficulty maintaining close relationships
• Feeling detached from family and friends
• Feeling emotionally numb

How to Tackle It :

Recognizing the symptoms of stress is not just crucial, it’s empowering. Whether it’s physical ailments or emotional turmoil, stress can disrupt our lives. From disbelief and fear, to changes in appetite and sleep patterns, the signs of stress demand our attention, signaling the need for proactive intervention. By understanding these signs, we can take control of our well-being and steer ourselves towards a healthier, stress-free life.On account of Stress Awareness Month here are some tips to tackle stress effectively.

Stress is a physiological response to environmental or physical pressure that can affect adults and children. Some signs of stress in adults include:

• Feeling irritable, angry, impatient, or wound up
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Feeling anxious, nervous, or afraid
• Having racing thoughts that you can’t switch off
• Not being able to enjoy yourself
• Feeling depressed
• Feeling uninterested in life
• Feeling like you’ve lost your sense of humor

Some physical symptoms of stress include:
Shallow breathing, Sweating, Racing heart, Headaches, Dizziness, Difficulty sleeping, Nausea, Indigestion, Digestive problems, Weight gain, Muscular aches and pains, and Chest pains.

By disconnecting from negative social media posts, prioritizing self-care, and cultivating mindfulness through meditation and deep breathing, we can manage stress more effectively. These practices are not just coping mechanisms, they are tools of hope and optimism. By nurturing our bodies and minds, we fortify ourselves against the ravages of stress, fostering resilience in the face of adversity and paving the way for a brighter, stress-free future.
Fostering connections with others is not just a way to relieve stress, it’s a lifeline. Whether through heartfelt conversations with loved ones or active participation in community-based initiatives, forging bonds of support can mitigate feelings of isolation and despair. By extending a helping hand to others, we not only allow ourselves to nurture our own well-being but also relieve them from their suffering in the process. In this journey, we are not alone. We are a community, supporting each other, and together, we can overcome stress.

For Children and Teenagers :

Some signs of stress in children and teenagers include:

• Emotional outbursts or increased irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• Worries and fears seem to come out during bedtime
• Withdrawing from others
• Struggles with school
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches
• Increased defiance

When it comes to children and teenagers, the impact of stress can be profound. Traumatic events, such as natural disasters or acts of violence, can destabilise their sense of security, leaving them vulnerable to emotional upheaval. Issues such as grades, peer validation and self-identity formation can also add to this feeling of stress. Parents, caregivers, and educators play a vital role in providing stability and support and offering reassurance and guidance to help young people cope with stress.

Stress Awareness Month is a beacon of hope in our collective journey toward mental wellness. By fostering awareness, dialogue and action, we can dismantle the barriers that inhibit access to mental health resources and support systems. As we navigate the labyrinth of modern life, let us be committed to prioritising mental well-being one conversation at a time.

Born on 18 April 1809, Henry Louis Vivian Derozio remains a largely forgotten figure in Indian history. On his 215th birthday, let’s remember him for his contributions to Indian education and the Bengal Renaissance. Derozio, of Indian-Portuguese origin, is celebrated for his impactful work.  

Early Life

Henry Louis Vivian Derozio was born in Entally-Padmapukur in Kolkata to Francis and Sophia Johnson Derozio. His family name was originally “do Rozário”. He went to the David Drummond Dharmatala Academy school from 6 to 14, where he admired the inclusive education that brought together Indian, Eurasian and European children of diverse social backgrounds. During his time at the school, he discovered and enjoyed reading poetry by contemporary Romantic writers such as John Keats, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.

Professional Life

Derozio dropped out of school at the age of 14 to start working. His first job was in his father’s office in Kolkata. He later moved to his uncle’s indigo factory in Bhagalpur. The serene beauty of the River Ganges inspired him to write poetry, and he began submitting his work to the India Gazette. Gradually, his poetry gained attention, and by 1825, numerous newspapers and magazines were publishing his poems.

At 18 years old in 1827, Derozio’s poetry caught the attention of editor John Grant. Impressed by his work, Grant offered to publish a book of his poems and encouraged him to come back to Kolkata. Following this, Derozio worked as an assistant editor for Grant and began contributing writings to various other publications. In addition, he took on the initiative of starting his own newspaper called the “Calcutta Gazette”, where he continued to showcase his literary talent.

Social Contributions of Henry Louis Vivian Derozio

At the age of 17, in 1826, Derozio started working as a teacher at Hindu College. He taught English Literature and History with great passion and introduced innovative teaching methods that caused a sensation at the college. Derozio organized debates where students freely exchanged ideas about societal norms, reforms, and social concepts. In 1828, he inspired students to establish a literary and debating club called the Academic Association. This period also witnessed significant upheaval within Bengali Hindu society, leading to further changes in education and culture. 

In 1828, Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Samaj, which upheld Hindu beliefs but rejected idol worship. This sparked opposition from traditional Hindu society. Derozio played a role in discussing emerging ideas for social change at that time. Despite his young age, he was highly regarded as a scholar and thinker. He quickly gathered a group of bright students at college around him and consistently urged them to think independently, question everything, and not accept things without scrutiny. His teachings inspired the growth of concepts such as freedom, equality, and liberty. They also worked towards eliminating societal issues and improving conditions for women and peasants while advocating for freedoms like press freedom and trial by jury, etc. His activities led to an intellectual revolution in Bengal known as the Young Bengal Movement; his pupils were termed “Derozians” who were passionate nationalists too.

As a result of criticism from traditional parents who disapproved of his extensive and candid conversation about religious matters, Derozio was let go from his position in April 1831, shortly before he passed away. After Derozio passed away from cholera, his impact continued to resonate with his former students. They were later recognized as Young Bengal and many of them went on to make significant contributions in social reform, law, and journalism.

Henry Louis Vivian Derozio made a big impact by supporting education, literature, and social reform during the Bengal Renaissance. His ideas have had a lasting influence on critical thinking and progressive values in Indian society. Despite facing challenges, his legacy lives on through the Young Bengal Movement. It continues to inspire generations of thinkers and activists. Derozio’s determination to challenge norms and drive change remains an enduring example of how individual courage and intellectual pursuit can shape a better tomorrow.

Twilight in Delhi by Ahmed Ali casts a spell that sends readers back to the heart of colonial India, where the blazing summer heat mirrors the simmering tensions within the Nihal family. Set in British-occupied Delhi in the early 20th century, the novel paints a vivid picture of a city caught between tradition and modernity, struggling to retain its identity amidst the overpowering shadows of colonial rule.

A Short Glimpse

At its heart, Twilight in Delhi is a tale of familial bonds tested by the tides of change. Mr Nihal, the house patriarch, stands as a symbol of tradition, grappling with the shifting sands of a fast-changing world. While his son Asghar navigates the nuances of love and marriage, we, as readers, are drawn into a web of emotions that go beyond time and culture.

Ali’s prose is rich with sensory detail, evoking the sights, sounds and smells of old Delhi with remarkable clarity. From the bustling markets to the quiet corners of the Nihal household, each scene comes alive with a tangible sense of atmosphere, immersing the reader in a world that is just as enchanting as it is unforgiving.

Themes and Characters:

The characters are finely drawn, each bearing the weight of their hopes, fears and desires. Asghar’s journey from passion to heartbreak is simultaneously embedded with a rawness that is cathartic and heartbreaking, while Mr Nihal’s inner turmoil reflects the struggles of a nation in transition.

Themes of colonialism, identity and the passage of time weave through the narrative, inviting readers to ponder the broader implications of history upon individual lives. Through the lens of the Nihal family, Ali explores the multifaceted nature of power and privilege, illuminating the complexities of class, gender and religion in a society on the brink of transformation.

The TakeAway

While Twilight in Delhi is undeniably a product of its time, its resonance is timeless. In an age marked by political upheaval and social change, Ali’s exploration of love, loss and the quest for identity feels as relevant today as it nearly did a century ago.

Ahmed Ali’s work is a masterful historical fiction that transports readers to a bygone era while offering timeless insights into the human condition. As the sun sets on Mr Nihal’s world, the reader is left with a deep sense of wonder and longing, ready to traverse their journey through the twilight of colonial India.