Feb. 7, 2013
A recent study shows how social conformity has positive and negative implications for individuals ranging from philanthropists to criminals. Kyle Irwin, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociology in Baylor's College of Arts & Sciences, is lead author of the study funded by the National Science Foundation and published in the sociology journal Social Forces.

WACO, Texas (Feb. 6, 2013) -- Caving in to social pressure -- such as saying that you love a movie because friends do -- makes for good vibes about being part of a group and can produce more of the same conduct, according to a Baylor University sociological study. The finding has implications for people ranging from philanthropists to gangs, researchers said.