Final answer:
We are likely to conform to group pressure due to normative social influence, especially when we admire the group's status, which makes us want to fit in and be accepted. Groupthink can also lead to conformity, as it promotes unanimity over expressing diverse or accurate opinions. Social context and perceived authority are key factors in an individual's conformity to group norms and pressures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around situations wherein we are likely to conform to group pressure. We are discussing the concept of conformity, which is influenced by the norms within a group we wish to fit into or be accepted by. One of the reasons we may conform includes when we admire the group's attractiveness or status, which is known as normative social influence. We want to feel good and be accepted by the group. Alternatively, the fear of disobedience, or changing our behavior to please an authority figure or avoid negative consequences, can also lead to conformity.
There is a phenomenon called groupthink, where group members may suppress their own opinions to maintain a cohesive and unanimous group opinion. This behavior stems from the desire to avoid conflict within the group, which can be stronger than the desire to express dissenting or accurate viewpoints. The peripheral route to persuasion is another way someone can be persuaded in a group context, where association with positive cues such as celebrity endorsement or emotions leads to a positive association with the group's norms.
Prejudice against individuals based solely on their membership in a particular group and the group polarization effect, where group discussions can strengthen a group's prevailing attitudes, are also related to group dynamics and conformity. Overall, the social context and perceived authority within a group greatly influence an individual's likelihood to conform to its norms and pressures.