Joel Davidson

Period 7

8/17/10

Summary of “Group Minds” by Doris Lessing

In Doris Lessing’s article, “Group Minds,” she suggests that Western people are falling

prey to the illusion of individuality, while group pressure is actually stifling individuality.

Members of Western society tend to believe that they are “unique” and independent, uncontrolled

by the pressures people place on them during everyday interaction. However, pressure from

groups is affecting them in ways that would be difficult for them to imagine on their own.

Scientific experiments expose the difficulty of standing out from groups. Furthermore, people are

failing to take advantage of the data collected from said experiments. The experiments prove that

even though individuals may be correct about an issue, they will most likely fall into agreement

with an incorrect majority, if standing alone in correctness. If this knowledge of our natural

tendency is accepted, we would be wise to admit our fault, and strive for more awareness against

negative group pressure. Individuals must not forget the larger, more ill-defined groups in which

we are involved; these groups are much more influential, and more resistant to change.

Thus, if we were to pass on this information to younger generations, society in the future

would be aware of how potent group pressure is.