Conformity as Coercion

In discussing the purpose if the ideal it is apparent that the basic dilemmas involved have been surrounding the issues of conformity and the role of the individual within the media. There is a contradiction of conformity as a social need, in order to form social relations and the necessity to be part of a group, against conformity as coercion in the forms of peer pressure and consumer pressure. Conformity as coercion is expressed in the media and magazines, through shopping and ‘must have’ style articles, as well as through the various advertisements. The media can also be seen to influence social relations, putting adolescents who buy into these ideals into a certain group where there are social needs to be better than or equal their peers. This need for conformity and these affecting factors all lead to a hampered ability for the individual to make decisions and choices, as well as forming their own opinions. The ability of the individual ‘girl’ to think for ‘herself’ is clouded by the media and the ideals which are created through the media.



Where does the responsibility lie within the media and what constitutes acceptable practice in terms of the aspirations presented to the vulnerable teenagers?