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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Continuous Theta Burst Stimulation of the Posterior Medial Frontal Cortex to Experimentally Reduce Ideological Threat Responses

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Published on: September 28, 2018

Deviance and dissent in groups.

Jolanda Jetten¹, Matthew J Hornsey

¹School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia;

Annual Review of Psychology

|June 12, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This review explores group deviance and dissent, moving beyond conformity research. It highlights that dissent can be a normal, healthy group function, not just disloyalty.

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Last Updated: May 10, 2026

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Published on: September 28, 2018

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Area of Science:

Social Psychology
Group Dynamics
Organizational Behavior

Background:

Traditional group research overemphasizes conformity.
Existing literature often portrays deviance and dissent negatively (e.g., disloyalty, disengagement).
A growing perspective views deviance and dissent as normal, healthy group processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review motivations behind group member deviance and dissent.
To analyze the functional and dysfunctional effects of deviance and dissent.
To provide a balanced perspective on when these behaviors are encouraged or punished.

Main Methods:

Literature review and synthesis.
Analysis of existing theories on group conformity, deviance, and dissent.
Conceptual framework development.

Main Results:

Deviance and dissent stem from various member motivations.
These behaviors can yield both positive (e.g., innovation) and negative (e.g., conflict) outcomes for groups.
The group's response (encouragement vs. punishment) depends on context and perceived function.

Conclusions:

Deviance and dissent are integral, not inherently negative, aspects of group functioning.
Understanding the motivations and consequences of dissent is crucial for effective group management.
A nuanced approach is needed to balance uniformity with the benefits of diverse perspectives.