Authority and conformity

Authority refers to the legitimate power or right someone has to influence or direct others, often based on position, expertise, or societal rules. Conformity is the act of aligning one’s behavior, beliefs, or attitudes to match group standards or expectations. While authority can guide behavior through command or influence, conformity often occurs through social pressure or the desire to be accepted. Both shape how individuals behave in social settings: authority provides official direction, whereas conformity reflects the human tendency to follow group norms for acceptance or security.