Minority influence occurs when a small group with a different opinion changes the opinion of a larger group. It is more effective when the minority maintains an unshakeable stance, articulates similarities and differences, and exudes confidence. It is easier to see in smaller groups and occurs most frequently in these groups. Examples include civil rights and women’s suffrage movements.
Minority influence occurs when a small group, defined as having a different opinion, changes the opinion of a larger group. As used in this term, minority does not necessarily mean a different gender, ethnicity or religion, but instead refers to individuals or small groups who hold a different opinion. There are some circumstances in which this social psychological phenomenon is more likely and others in which this form of influence may not be successful. When discussed, small examples are often used, as minority influence tends to decrease as the minority or majority increases. There are notable exceptions.
In the classic 1957 film Twelve Angry Men, a character played by Henry Fonda becomes a supporter of a jury that wants to convict a young man of committing murder. Hours of intense deliberation ensue, with Fonda’s character in the minority position of believing that the evidence deserves closer scrutiny. Eventually, he begins to convince the other jury members that his opinion of him is correct and that the defendant may be innocent. This is an example of minority influence, where a single person is able to influence a group in a different position.
There are several key elements that appear to make minority influence more effective. The first is to maintain an unshakeable stance, as Fonda’s character does in the film. Additionally, those in the minority must be able to carefully articulate the ways in which they are similar to and different from the majority. They must be impartial and exude confidence that the position they hold is on the correct course. Interestingly, one of the reasons this film is often cited as an example of this concept is that Fonda’s character does all of this while gradually exerting a minority influence.
Examples of this phenomenon often involve very small groups affecting relatively small majorities. For example, a minority of factory workers may be able to convince a majority of employees to join a union. Usually, it becomes increasingly difficult to exercise minority influence as the number of the minority increases. It makes it more difficult to maintain a unified position, remain unaffected by majority pressure, or be influenced by other sources.
There are some cases where large minority groups successfully persist and adhere to a point of view that changes the opinion of the majority. The civil rights movement was an example of this, as was the women’s suffrage movement. Sometimes the majority will also concede some elements to the minority if they believe they will get consensus on other elements of a plan. For example, some political analysts believe the minority Blue Dog Democrats managed to remove a public option requirement from health care reform legislation in 2010 because the measure would not have passed without their cooperation.
In general, it is easier to see minority influence in smaller groups, and it occurs most frequently in these groups. Without the items listed above it tends to be unsuccessful. There are probably other important social elements at play with this form of influence. The ability to maintain a strong point of view, be flexible in other points of view, and coolly resist pressure, criticism or influence implies a certain level of maturity and good communication skills.
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