QUE.  Can a person’s attitude be changed? If yes, explain the factors that bring about this change.

Ans.

Attitude is a mental state in which a person evaluates (likes or dislikes) a particular person, object, group, idea, or situation in a specific way. In this evaluation, a person expresses his/her feelings, which may be positive, negative, or neutral. A person’s attitude is generally a stable characteristic, but it can be changed.

• If a person is made aware of the harmful consequences of his/her attitude, or if an unexpected incident causes the person to regret his/her attitude, then under such circumstances the attitude may change. The transformation of Ratnakar the robber into Sage Valmiki.

• Factors Bringing About Change in Attitude

• Change in Reference Group

• A change in the surrounding group (friends, colleagues, family) can bring about a change in attitude.

• Example: If the environment at a person’s home is conservative, but the atmosphere in his/her college is liberal, then that person’s attitude may become more liberal. Similarly, a person’s attitude develops according to the type of friend circle he/she keeps.

• Change in Group Membership

• Breaking ties with one group and joining another group may lead to a change in attitude according to the norms of the new group.

• Example: When a political leader leaves one political party and joins another, his/her attitude changes according to the ideology of the new party.

• Additional Information

• Change is possible through education, propaganda, or by providing additional information.

• Example: By giving proper information about a disease like COVID-19, people can be persuaded to adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour.

• Persuasion / Convincing Communication

• Change can be brought about through communication using media such as radio, television, or the Internet.

• Example: Creating a positive attitude towards purchasing a product through advertisements.

• Forced Contact (Compulsory Compliance)

• If a person is compelled to perform certain tasks, his/her attitude towards those tasks may change. Punishing a person for violating laws and rules can change his/her attitude towards following those rules.

• Example: Imposing a fine on a person for violating traffic rules may bring about a change in attitude, encouraging that person to follow the rules.

• Personality Change

• Personality influences attitude. Introverted individuals often display a less positive attitude towards social matters. Therefore, by bringing about changes in personality, attitude can also be changed.

• Example: A police officer requires a duty-oriented personality and attitude. Hence, after recruitment, special training is provided to bring about changes in the officer’s personality.

• Propaganda

• Extensive publicity or propaganda regarding a subject or object can bring about a change in attitude.

• Example: The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan changed the attitude of many people towards open defecation.

Thus, although attitude is generally stable, it is possible to bring about changes in a person’s attitude through the above factors. A positive change in attitude can make a significant contribution to the social and economic development of the nation.