Understanding Minority Influence Theory:
Minority Influence Theory explains how a small group or even a single individual can influence the attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors of the majority. It contrasts with majority influence (conformity), where people tend to go along with the larger group. Minority influence is key to social change — examples include civil rights movements, scientific innovations, or paradigm shifts in society.
Key Concepts of Minority Influence Theory
1. Consistency:
Minorities must present their views consistently over time. This shows confidence and commitment, making others more likely to re-evaluate their own views.
2. Commitment:
When the minority shows dedication — especially by making sacrifices — it increases their credibility and influence. This is often referred to as the “augmentation principle.”
3. Flexibility:
While consistency is important, being overly rigid can backfire. Minorities need to show a willingness to compromise to avoid seeming dogmatic.
4. Cognitive Conflict:
The minority view creates internal conflict in the majority, causing people to consider the argument more deeply (a central route to persuasion in the Elaboration Likelihood Model).
Supporting Research
In a classic experiment, participants in a group were shown blue slides. A consistent minority (confederates) repeatedly called them green. This influenced some participants to also say green, especially when the minority was consistent.
Showed that flexible minorities (those willing to negotiate) were more persuasive than rigid, uncompromising ones.
Real-Life Examples
- Civil Rights Leaders (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr.)
- Suffragettes
- Environmental Activists (e.g., Greta Thunberg)
These individuals or groups began as minorities, but through consistency, commitment, and persuasive communication, they shifted public opinion over time.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 