Antony West (Author)

In societies designed for strict control, the mechanisms of conformity become deeply ingrained, subtly (or overtly) shaping individual behaviour and thought. Psychology offers profound insights into why people comply, even against their better judgement or personal desires. Factors like social pressure, the desire for acceptance, fear of reprisal, and the normalisation of abnormal conditions can lead individuals to suppress their authentic selves. Experiments like the Stanford Prison Experiment or studies on obedience to authority (Milgram) reveal how powerful situational forces can be. Dystopian narratives often amplify these psychological principles, showing citizens adhering to absurd rules or even denouncing loved ones, illustrating the insidious ways control can manifest. How do you think you would behave in a highly controlled society?