Q. In what ways do social factors influence the development of attitudes? Discuss the significance of social influence in shaping individual behaviour and public opinion.

Approach:
Introduction — Set the Context
• Define Attitudes: Explain that attitudes are learned beliefs, opinions, and feelings towards people, ,issues, or situations.
• Establish the Ethical Relevance: Mention that social factors shape attitudes positively (justice, ,equality) or negatively (prejudice, conformity).
• Include a Powerful Example: Use the Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s) to show the ethical ,power of social influence in changing public opinion.
2. Main Body — Logical & Thematic Division
Part 1: Social Factors Influencing the Development of Attitudes
• Divide into Family, Culture, Peer Groups, Media, and Institutions.
• Under each, explain:
-How they influence attitudes.
-The ethical dimension (positive or negative).
-Support with Albert Bandura’s theory for Role Models.
Part 2: Significance of Social Influence
• Show its Impact on Individual Behaviour:
-Ethical behaviours (empathy, service) vs. negative behaviours (substance abuse, prejudice).
• Show its Impact on Public Opinion:
-Power of Social Movements (#MeToo, Black Lives Matter).
-Role of Media, Leaders, Activists in guiding society ethically or misleading it.
Conclusion — Strong Ethical Stand
• Summarise how social influence shapes individual and collective attitudes.
• Emphasise that ethical guidance is essential — families, media, and institutions should promote ,critical thinking, tolerance, and justice.
• End with a thought-provoking line — e.g., “Social influence can build or break society — it must ,always serve truth and equality.”,

Introduction
Social factors shape attitudes through family, peers, media, and institutions. Ethically, social influence can promote justice or reinforce prejudice. The U.S. Civil Rights Movement (1950s-1960s) demonstrated how ethical leadership and collective action challenged racial segregation, reshaping public opinion and promoting equality in American society through peaceful protest and activism.

Body:
Social Factors Influencing the Development of Attitudes
1. Family, Culture, and Peer Groups
1.1 Family Influence – Foundation of Values
-Shapes early attitudes on religion, morality, and social
behaviour.
-Provides the first framework of acceptable conduct.
1.2 Cultural Influence – Shared Beliefs and Norms
-Culture influences views on gender roles, social customs,
and moral values.
-Provides identity and collective standards.
1.3 Peer Group Pressure – The Power of Belonging
-Strong in adolescence; promotes conformity.
-Can lead to positive behaviour (teamwork) or negative behaviour (bullying, stereotyping).
1.4 Role Models – Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
-"Most human behaviour is learned observationally through modeling."
-Individuals imitate behaviours of parents, peers, and celebrities.
-Ethical implication: Role models should promote respect, tolerance, and moral conduct.
2. Media and Social Institutions
2.1 Media Framing – Shaping Perceptions
-Influences public opinion through selective reporting, images, and language.
-Frames debates on politics, gender, and social norms.
2.2 Ethical Media – Awareness and Responsibility
-Raises awareness about human rights, environmental issues, and health crises.
-Promotes empathy and social responsibility.
2.3 Media Risks – Stereotypes and Sensationalism
-May spread misinformation or reinforce biases.
-Can create fear or consumerism-driven attitudes.
2.4 Institutional Influence – Education, Religion, and Law
-Schools shape civic responsibility and ethical awareness.
-Religious bodies guide moral values like justice and compassion.
-Legal systems enforce societal norms.
2.5 Moral Duty of Institutions – Guiding the Collective Ethic
-Institutions must ensure respect for human rights, diversity, and justice.
-Misuse of power can create social division or injustice.
Significance of Social Influence
3. On Individual Behaviour 3.1 Positive Behaviour – Ethical Imitation
-Encourages values like honesty, empathy, and service.
-Promotes cooperation and civic responsibility.
3.2 Harmful Behaviour – Risks of Influence
-Leads to unethical acts like substance abuse or prejudice under peer pressure.
-Excessive conformity suppresses individuality.
3.3 Critical Thinking – A Moral Safeguard
-Individuals must reflect and resist harmful influences.
-Ethical education promotes informed decision-making.
4. On Public Opinion 4.1 Social Campaigns – Changing Minds at Scale
-Movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter reshape social attitudes.
-Media platforms enable global awareness and activism.
4.2 Leadership and Influence – Ethical Communication
-Leaders, celebrities, and influencers shape public views.
-Their behaviour carries societal impact.
4.3 Ethical Responsibility – Shaping with Integrity
-Influence must be used to promote truth, justice, and social harmony.
-Manipulation damages democracy and creates polarisation.

Conclusion:
Social influence shapes who we are — for better or worse. When guided ethically, it inspires justice, empathy, and unity. But unchecked, it risks prejudice and blind conformity. Families, media, and institutions must empower individuals to think critically, act morally, and shape a fairer, more inclusive society.