Final answer:
It is true, that for an innovation to be successfully adopted, it must generally conform to the social norms of a population. Everett Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory implies that acceptance is linked to an innovation's alignment with social norms and values. Examples include technology adoption and changes in consumer behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question, it is true that to increase the chances of an innovation being adopted, it must conform to the social norms of the population. Sociologist Everett Rogers’ model of the diffusion of innovations indicates that the adoption of new ideas, concepts, or artifacts typically grows toward a 100 percent market share or complete saturation within a society. However, this growth is heavily influenced by conformity to social norms, which are the accepted behaviors and beliefs in a society. If an innovation aligns with these norms, it is more likely to be accepted and adopted by the majority.
For example, if the innovation aligns with a society’s values around sustainability, it is likely to be more readily adopted in places where environmental consciousness is a part of the social fabric. Conversely, any innovation that significantly deviates from entrenched social norms is likely to face resistance and may be adopted more slowly, if at all. This is evident in different cultural responses to consumer technologies, fashion trends, and even new business models that either successfully blend in with or disrupt existing norms and values.