Basic Idea:
Samantha P. Lumbert mentions in her article, “Conformity and Group Mentality: Why We Comply,” how conformity oftentimes leads to individuals losing their true character. Lumbert touches base on the topic of “fitting in” to society and how people view one another differently if done otherwise. Furthermore, conformity generally causes people to evolve a need of acceptance within their culture, leading to one’s desire and need to obtain a higher social status.

Cause & Effects of conformity:

“Chapter 6-Conformity and Deviance” found on the University of Kentucky website declares “That there [has] been numerous studies that illustrate the ways in which humans strive to be accepted... by social groups” (23). Humans automatically have the characteristic of eagerness in relation to assimilation upon the public. Regardless of the consequences it seems that humans will give up anything in return for a good social status and reputation. Behind this act, people are usually forcing themselves to change and act a certain way that society upholds. In relation to the novel, “The Scarlet Letter,” Hester Prynne lives in an authentic and strict community where she is publicly denounced for going against the authentic Puritan rituals. Being incarcerated for her sins, Prynne obviously is in contrary to these morals and is opposed to the patronizing mandates held within her town.

To prevent rejection, people believe they need to conform themselves into what society wants them to be. Oftentimes “when people feel [they’ve become] the minority of a group, they become reluctant to express their own opinions because they can foresee negative consequences of not fitting in with the majority” (Lubert 16). People cannot ultimately express their true selves in relation to the backlash of society. Similarly to the novel, after Hester exits the prison, she feels that she cannot return to the city because of her embarrassing punishments for her immoral actions. Because of this, Hester and her child, Pearl, both stay on the outskirts of town, away from the people within the community.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, conformity is seen all over the world and can be more evident through smaller communities where people feel the need to change themselves for society. Because of this change, it often leaves people wondering who humankind has made them become. Similar to Hester, this dilemma of conformity generally gets out of hand and can leave people confused with who they are becoming. In regards to conforming, humans should consider whether they are changing for themselves or because society tells them they should.