4.3.3   Influence on Beliefs (and Subsequent Behaviour)

(This is an archived page, from the Patterns of Power Edition 3 book.  Current versions are at book contents).

As described above (4.3.2), people influence the behaviour of others on a day-by-day basis.  Some people, who are assertive about their beliefs, might also want to convert others to the same way of thinking – to have an influence on their future behaviour. 

The following sub-sections examine different ways of trying to modify someone’s moral values:

·     People can use peer-to-peer persuasion (4.3.3.1), to change others' opinions or to recruit them into a like-minded group.

·     Children’s upbringing affects the way that they behave for the rest of their lives (4.3.3.2).

·     Religious organisations seek to bring people within their sphere of influence for several reasons (4.3.3.3).