From a young age, we are always taught what is the right way to think, act, or behave by family, school, and society. These rules by society are deeply set within us. We follow them blindly without really realising it. This is why many people feel the fear of being labelled as “radical” when they do something different. These labels are often signs of social rejection. Due to which people avoid expressing themselves just to be accepted by society (Becker, 1963; Goffman, 1974).
This fear doesn’t come out of thin air. It is learned over time through constant observation that fitting in will keep you safe and that standing out is risky. Due to this, people will suppress their thoughts and avoid being different. This article will explore how these social conditions work and how that fear can limit personal expression.
Read More: How To Deal with Rejection? Insights from an Expert
How Social Conditioning Shapes Our Sense of Normal
From childhood, we always kept learning the rules to fit in. Our families and schools teach us which behaviours are appreciated and which ones are discouraged. The media also plays a role in reinforcing these by constantly showing us images of what is “normal”. Together, these create an idea of how we are supposed to act or behave (Goffman, 1974).
From childhood, family, school, and social media teach us how we “should” behave and think to be accepted. We are made to always seek approval and feel that we belong. When someone acts outside of what we think is normal, they face judgment or are avoided by others. These reactions are teachers on their own; they push us to stay within the social boundaries and avoid rejection (Asch, 1955).
Over time, this wish to always fit in becomes internal pressure. We start to watch over our thoughts and actions, without even realising it. This makes us more careful. We are less likely to take risks and are unwilling to share ideas that seem a little different. In the end, we shape our identity around these social rules.
The power of labels in society
Labels like “radicals” are powerful ways that influence how we see others. A single world can judge whether someone is accepted or not, often overlooking the actual idea or action. Once people set a label, they start treating it as the only truth. This can be unfair in defining a person’s whole identity (Becker, 1963). In social circles, these labels tend to spread quickly, creating the fear of being associated or being unaccepted. Even the harmless and useful ideas are avoided simply because they can be labelled. This stigma changes the way people interact with others, creating a social distance and silencing voices (Goffman, 1974).
This fear affects everyday conversations. People tend to avoid being seen as different; they tailor their opinions, stay silent and hide their true selves. This desire to fit in limits creativity and restricts open discussions. This creates a barrier that stops new ideas from being shared (Sunstein, 2003).
Fear of rejection and social punishment
We all need to be accepted by others. This is why the fear of being labelled valuable can be powerful, as it can affect our social connections. To avoid facing judgment, many people choose to stay silent. Even when they have some ideas that can be valuable, they choose not to speak up. Research shows that individuals who often agree with the group even when they know it’s wrong just to avoid being different (Asch, 1955).
This fear is everywhere. A student doesn’t ask questions in class, an employee doesn’t share new ideas, and family members don’t question traditions. All of this to just avoid rejection. People change their own behaviour to fit in, especially when they see that expressing opinions can lead to isolation (Sunstein, 2003).
Over time, this restriction of thoughts becomes a habit. We start to believe that staying quiet is safer than speaking up. This slowly weakens our confidence and reduces creative thinking. People begin to avoid the word “radical” at all costs. This causes us to shut down ideas that could be valuable just to protect our place in the group.
Media and Culture Narratives are Intensifying the Fear
The media plays a powerful role in shaping what we think of as “radical”. News, movies, and online content show radical ideas as dangerous. When we see this repeated connection, we start to believe anything labelled as “radical” is not accepted, even if the idea is harmless (Foucault, 1976). Culture and tradition also teach us the values to fit in. Generations have passed down the message of obedience and stability. These values strongly shape what people accept and what they reject. People follow these unwritten rules as society’s approval depends on them (Sunstein, 2003).
Today, social media makes this fear stronger. Online opinions spread in seconds, and the negative reaction is intense. This teaches people to avoid sharing ideas that are different. As a result, many people choose not to share ideas or open discussions (Ellemers, 2012).
When the Fear Becomes The Barrier to Progress
The fear of being labelled can actively slow down both personal and social growth. When people fear sharing new ideas, innovation becomes weaker. Many of history’s most important advances were considered to be odd. This hesitation to speak up prevents society from exploring new ideas that can lead to meaningful changes (Sunstein, 2003).
This barrier is more prevalent in the workplace. Employees fear judgment; they don’t share creative solutions. This also affects their overall productivity. The team functions well when all the members feel safe to express opinions and give new suggestions (Ellemers, 2012).
The same situation affects the whole community. Progress is reduced when people hesitate to question the traditions or bring new ways of thinking. The power of labels can make a person avoid positive change. This causes society to stick to old and less effective habits (Becker, 1963). In the end, it is not the lack of ideas that holds us back but the courage to share them
Healthy Ways to Challenge Conditioning
Challenging the social labels begins with effort. Here are ways to start.
- Build self-awareness: Start by noticing the moments when you feel scared to share your ideas. Ask yourself the reason for staying quiet. Understanding the pattern is the first step towards speaking freely (Goffman, 1974).
- Seek out supportive people: Surround yourself with people who value open discussions. Individuals who encourage different ideas will make it easier for you to express your own thoughts.
- Create an inclusive environment: You can help others by encouraging new opinions. When everyone feels their voice is welcomed, fear decreases and creative ideas are unlocked (Sunstein, 2003).
- Practice critical reflection: Regularly take time to question your views, if they are truly your own or adopted to just fit in. This habit will help you to build a strong identity over time (Foucault, 1976).
Conclusion
From a young age, society teaches us the rules it accepts. This social conditioning makes the label “radical” feel dangerous, not because the idea is wrong, but because it breaks the norm. This fear causes people to choose silence over sharing their ideas (Becker, 1963). However, many of the world’s positive changes began as an idea that was seen as radical. By becoming aware of this conditioning and creating an environment that’s open to new suggestions, we can break this cycle. By doing this, we can open doors for healthier discussions and meaningful growth for everyone.
FAQs
1. What is social conditioning?
Social conditioning is the unconscious process of learning society’s rules. From childhood, family, school, and media teach us how we “should” behave and think to be accepted. These lessons become so ingrained that we often follow them without even realising it.
2. Why is the word “radical” so powerful?
The label “radical” is powerful because it acts as a social warning. It signals that an idea or person is outside the accepted norm, which can trigger a fear of rejection or judgment. People often avoid this label not because an idea is bad, but because they want to maintain their social connections and approval.
3. How can I feel more confident sharing a different opinion?
Building confidence starts with self-awareness. Notice when you’re holding back out of fear. Seek out supportive people who value open discussion, and practice expressing your views in safer, smaller settings. Remember that many great ideas were once considered radical, and your perspective could be valuable.
References +
Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the sociology of deviance. Free Press. Goffman, E. (1974). Stigma: Notes on the management of spoiled identity. Prentice Hall.
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Milgram, S. (1963). Behavioural study of obedience. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371–378. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040525
Povinelli, E. A. (2012). The governance of the prior. In Economies of Abandonment (pp. 133–157). University of Minnesota Press. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5749/minnesota/9780816656290.003.0007
Scheff, T. (2015). Labelling theory. In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (E. N. Zalta, Ed.). https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/labeling-theory/
Harnois, C. E. (2013). Feminist measures in survey research. SAGE Publications. https://sk.sagepub.com/books/feminist-measures-in-survey-research
Foucault, M. (2003). Society must be defended: Lectures at the Collège de France, 1975–1976 (D. Macey, Trans.). Picador.
Ellemers, N. (2012). The group self: Social identity and its effects on group behaviour. Annual Review of Psychology, 63, 139–166. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-psych-120710-100448
Sunstein, C. R. (2003). Why societies need dissent. Harvard University Press. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=319062
