Activity 11: Conformity and Participation

In Nazi Germany there was a great deal of pressure put on those not targeted by Nazis for discrimination to conform to certain views and ways of behaviour. 

The mass rallies were one way in which these messages were spread.  Other forms of media propaganda were also used. [link to propaganda activities]. 

In society today, we are also all under pressure to conform to certain modes of behaviour.

• What kinds of behaviour does society expect us to conform to today?
• What pressure is put on us all to conform?
• Where does this pressure come from?
• Is conformity always a good thing?
• How and why can conformity sometimes be dangerous?

One of the aims of Citizenship in the National Curriculum is for pupils to develop “skills of participation and responsible action”.

However, those non-Jewish people in the sources above were active participants in Nazi Party activities but we would not hold them up as good examples to demonstrate the “skills of participation”.

• In your own words, define what you believe the Citizenship curriculum means by “skills of participation”.
• In terms of your definition, why is it so important to participate in society?
• How can you and your friends demonstrate “skills of participation” in your school?