Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The present study investigates how intensified similarity shared among the same group members and individual differences (i.e. personality traits) might contribute to group identity and conformity in computer-mediated group settings. More similarity did not increase group identity all the time, but it could be different depending on situations (the intensity of similarity shared among members) and dispositional need of uniqueness.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper examines portrayals of transgender characters in Hollywood films in order to explore what messages about gender and sexuality depictions of gender deviant characters elicit. It concludes that these films use gender deviant characters to teach gender conformity. The films do not promote this conformity by physically punishing the transgressors, as has been done in films made before 1990, but instead promote gender conformity by depicting transgender characters as tragically loveless matchmakers for straight characters as well as using transwomen as examples of ideal women who teach non-transwomen how to better conform to gender norms. Over all, these films both promote heteronormativity and gender conformity while saying that homophobia and transphobia are wrong.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This research project develops the theoretical question of gender role conformity for gay and lesbian individuals and its relationship with the hegemonic principles of heterosexuality, and the social background and interactive characteristics influencing the adoption of mainstream “sex-typical” relationship behavior. Within the context of the GLBT movement, the concept of conformity is theorized as a de-mobilizing force that threatens the viability of the movement and the development of a distinct cultural identity and the continuation of sexual differánce. Empirically, this research design examines the relative levels of holistic “equality” across monogomous gay/lesbian relationships. Traditionally, researchers have argued that gay/lesbian couples experience a higher level of relationship equality, and more specifically, to a greater degree within lesbian dyads. I argue that most explanations of this phenomenon tend to essentialize “sex” to the extent that it is often cited as the prime way to comprehend this variation. This research attempts to dispell this fallacy by testing the relative effects of numerous social background and familial characteristics, as well as an individual’s gender identity on the outcome of relationship equality.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: In recent years, judicial scholars have recognized the significance of strategic, or outcome-prediction, voting in the US Supreme Court's certiorari process (Caldeira, Wright, and Zorn 1999; Benesh, Brenner, and Spaeth 1998). However, the traditional strategic model has left both theoretical and empirical gaps in the study of justices’ individual cert voting. This paper evaluates the existence of conformity voting in justices' cert votes by examining votes cast on the Vinson, Warren, and Burger Courts, 1944-1986. First, I discuss three empirical problems with our current understanding of justices’ cert voting. Second, I propose a formal model of individual certiorari voting (the Public-Private Game) to solve the three problems. Finally, I present empirical support for the formal model. Using a binary logistic regression, this paper finds an effect that appears to be “conformity voting,” but is best explained as a pooling strategy resulting from a signaling game among justices during cert voting. These findings suggest that the our understanding of individual cert voting should be further scrutinized by game theory models.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: During adolescence when delinquency is temporarily the norm, there exist a small percentage of adolescents who do not commit any delinquent acts. Relatively little is known about this small group. The few studies on drug abstention and nondelinquents, portray them as socially isolated, weird, and meek. Considering Moffitt’s (1993) hypotheses regarding nondelinquents, this thesis examines peer, family, social and personality characteristic variables believed to play a role in conformity. Specifically, personality characteristics that would exclude conformists from peer groups are explored. Using the National Youth Survey, it was found that those who feel socially isolated with friends and rate religion as more important are more likely to conform. Delinquent friends play a significant role in reducing conformity. The importance of studying conformists as well as directions for future research is discussed.

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