What motivates people to be contrarians?

“When we long for a life without hardship, it reminds us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.” -Peter Marshall

Contrarians are people who hold beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that differ from the norm. These individuals are challenging but also essential. If we were all in conformity, there would be no change. So, what motivates people to be incongruent or non-conforming? Recent research has identified (1) five drivers of ambivalence. What are these five motivations? Can there be any positive return for being a contrarian?

1-He wanted to be unique and independent

This is first incentivize It seems fairly obvious. When we go against Quant-Quo, we set ourselves apart from the world. We do not accept what others do not ask. Our independence is about our belief in being self-directed rather than directed by others. Our uniqueness is ensured by our willingness to be different from what is popular. Here, respect for the individual’s independence and authenticity is more prominent than the need for social approval Conformity.

“The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself.”

Rita Mae Brown

2- Contempt for conformity

Contrarians often see the need to resist expectations in social expectations. This behavior has been evident in teenage rebellion for generations; From the hairstyles and fashion changes of the 60’s and 70’s to the rap music and Spotify of the new millennium. But disdain for conformity is not limited to teenagers. The Boomer generation is in their own versions of resistance regarding what the aging population is supposed to be like as well. The quest for respect over social approval seems more prominent in both examples.

3-The desire to create social change

Contrarians will sometimes want to move beyond resistance to change and take an active role in uprooting and transforming change. Demonstrations by LGBTQ activists, Climate change Activists and others are moving outside the norm We are not social change. These contrarians see being an activist as a necessary step from reactive positions to being more active.

“If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the full range of human potential, and thus weave a less arbitrary social fabric in which every diverse human gift will find a suitable place.” -Margaret Mead

4- Commitment to personal values ​​and preferences

Contrarians will make every attempt to stay within their personal values ​​and preferences to be true to their beliefs and identity. Conforming to beliefs and attitudes outside of their identity will create an untenable reaction. The Vietnam War was an example to millions of young people who were morally unable to comply with American military objectives. Some of these conflicted young men fled to Canada to escape the draft.

5- In order to be a contrarian

There is always the possibility that some contrarians are just contrarians for the sake of being different or not part of the norm. Some of the more radical forms of being contrarian for the sake of being contrarian may include: the flat earth community, climate deniers, and beliefs in extraterrestrial beings.

“It is rebellion and conformity that attacks you with success.” – Amy Tan

Pros and cons of being a contrarian

There are advantages and disadvantages to being a contrarian. Many positive changes in the world were initiated by people who were considered heteronormative. Inventors like the Wright Brothers, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, and innovators of modern technology like Bill Gates and Elon Musk were all considered non-conformists and confused with the rules of the society in which they lived. Without their creative courage as contrarians to confront the decisive assaults of a time when we had little progress. Contradiction brings us to know what we don’t do, if we listen.

Diversity in thought and beliefs is healthy. We have the ability to expand our narrow perspective and enhance our awareness. How often can we do this? “Usually when we learn from people we ask questions, we see them as reliable and interesting, as being able to help us. These are nicer ways to see that they are a vector for potential falsehood. Instead of scanning for confusion, perhaps shifting your focus to what others can teach you is a good place to start.” (2)

Contrarians who resist conformity will always have resistance from conformists. However, discomfort is still the path to growth. We need the security of conformity and we need the freedom of contradiction. This continuity is in a constant state of flux. Our challenge is to listen to both and not focus on either.