ABSTRACT
Social influence occurs when people's perceptions and behaviors are shaped by others. Social psychologists trained as psychologists often study social influence. Many of these studies focus on compliance. This chapter clarifies how status characteristics theory is used to estimate an individual's likelihood of being influenced by another person. Within any social setting, there is a tension between constraint and agency, defined as individuals' capacity to act in a self-directed manner. Gossip occurs at the micro level which spreads within social networks. Gossip is the main focus of the magazine National Enquirer and television program Entertainment Tonight. This type of gossip is similar in nature to rumor. Sociological social psychologists have explained different levels of movement participation among similar kinds of individuals by focusing on the processes through which people construct meanings and define situations. Coalitions are common within social movements, and social movement organizations often form alliances with local governments and the courts in order to attain their goals.
