What term describes the influence exerted by a person or group on another to conform to societal expectations?

The term that describes the influence exerted by a person or group on another to conform to societal expectations is social pressure. Social pressure arises from the expectations that society or specific groups have regarding behavior, attitudes, and beliefs. It can manifest in various environments such as schools, workplaces, or social settings where individuals may feel compelled to act in accordance with the norms and values promoted by the society around them.

While peer influence specifically concerns the impact peers have on an individual's decisions and behavior, social pressure encompasses a broader range of influences beyond just those from peers, including family, media, and cultural settings. Cultural norms refer to the shared standards and rules that guide behavior within a particular society, but they do not specifically convey the active exertion of influence. Behavioral expectation can describe what is anticipated in terms of actions but does not directly highlight the influence aspect as prominently as social pressure does. Thus, social pressure accurately captures the essence of conformity to societal expectations.