It doesn’t seem to me that these are really exclusive hypotheses. If standing out incurs serious social costs, it would imply a general opposition to deviating from the norm.
I have to doubt any explanation that hinges upon preserving the status of members of one’s social group though; I occasionally find myself pressured to conform by people who aren’t friends or even associates, who I am likely never to meet again.
It doesn’t seem to me that these are really exclusive hypotheses. If standing out incurs serious social costs, it would imply a general opposition to deviating from the norm.
I have to doubt any explanation that hinges upon preserving the status of members of one’s social group though; I occasionally find myself pressured to conform by people who aren’t friends or even associates, who I am likely never to meet again.