Are you the type of person that likes to go with the flow, avoid conflict at all costs and adapt quickly to new situations?
If so, you may have a Conformist personality.
Conformists are people who make decisions based on what other people think and behave in a way that is accepted by those around them.
This article will explore the characteristics of a Conformist and their motivations for conforming.
Also some tips on how to make better decisions when it comes to being an independent thinker.
Learn everything you need to know about the Conformist personality today!
Quick Navigation
What is a Conformist Personality Type?
So, what is a Conformist personality and what does it mean?
Here’s a quick definition:
A Conformist personality type is someone who has a tendency to follow the crowd, rather than make their own independent decisions.
They place great importance on fitting in with what society expects of them.
They’re uncomfortable when they have to break out of societal norms.
In relationships, they tend to show loyalty to traditional roles and may even be overly passive at times.
The conforming lifestyle may offer some sense of security but often does not lead to personal growth or satisfaction.
This is mostly due to an inability or reluctance to think for oneself.
Generally speaking, those with this personality type prefer comfortable predictability over unpredictable risk.
What Are Conformist Personality Characteristics & Traits?
Here are some of the most common characteristics and traits of someone who has a Conformist personality type:
- Conformists are people who like to follow the status quo and go with the flow
- They care a lot about what other people think of them and want to be accepted by their peers
- They are often shy and introverted, preferring not to stand out from the crowd
- Conformists usually have a strong sense of duty and responsibility, and they work hard to meet others’ expectations
- They are typically very reliable and dependable employees/friends/partners
- In relationships, Conformists tend to be loyal and supportive partners
Conformist Personality Examples
Conformists are those who value the social order and feel comfortable following established rules and traditions.
Such personalities tend to be reliable individuals, putting others’ needs before their own.
Famous Conformist personalities include legendary actor Cary Grant, American human rights activist Malala Yousafzai, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and French president Charles de Gaulle.
Conformists make all of society a better place.
They put a premium on ethical behavior and responsibility while engaging with the world around them.
How Can You Tell If You Have a Conformist Personality Type?
If you are quick to adjust your opinions, values, and beliefs in order to fit in with a group, everything from your dress code and language to your music choices and habits, then you may have a Conformist personality type.
When faced with strong peer pressure, those with this type of personality are likely to accommodate without much thought about their own personal feelings.
It is common for Conformists to heavily rely on the approval of friends and family before making decisions.
They will often go along with the trends popular among their peers or choose what appears socially acceptable.
Those whose first thought when faced with an unfamiliar situation is how they should act based on others’ behaviors may be living a Conformist lifestyle.
Benefits of Having a Conformist Personality Type
Having a Conformist personality type can be an incredibly beneficial trait.
It encourages people to stay within boundaries and adopt socially accepted norms.
This often translates into living an easy and comfortable life, since the individual is rarely straying from the status quo.
Additionally, those with this type of personality are often able to easily get along with others and form better relationships.
This is because making changes or breaking unspoken rules isn’t something they’re likely to do.
In many cases, having such a predictable personality can even lead to other people respecting the Conformist’s opinions.
This is due to them being seen as someone who follows societal guidelines.
Conformists are very loyal people.
All in all, possessing a Conformist personality type can make it much easier for someone to navigate through life without facing harsh judgment or difficult challenges.
Challenges of Having a Conformist Personality Type
Challenges that come with having a Conformist personality type typically lie in their difficulty to accept change, maintain flexibility, and think independently.
In addition, the tendency for conformity leads to difficulty in identifying what truly matters in life.
Instead of pursuing activities or interests that bring meaningful contentment to life, Conformists may end up following the crowd too closely and therefore miss out on the opportunities necessary to create such meaningful experiences.
Finally, having a habitually Conformist mindset can cause frustrations when it comes to problem solving.
This is due to them not being able to take unique approaches or alternative methods due to their lack of self-expression or reasonable risk-taking.
Although there are plenty of challenges faced by Conformists, those who take steps to actively pursue independence and critical thinking can find ways to successfully navigate their daily lives while embracing their own unique set of values.
