Conformity within society as expressed in Kesey's One flew over the cuckoo's nest

Abstract

The thesis begins with definitions and descriptions of conformity according to Muzafer Sherif and Erich Fromm. The social climate of the United States during the 1950s and the 1960s is described, featuring the important events, personalities, and narratives and perceptions of threats-social and political. The influence of governmental organizations as well as the mass media is highlighted. Developing subcultures (the Beats and hippies) are also outlined. Within this context, the life and significance of Ken Kesey is briefly described. In the thesis, events, characters and themes in Kesey's novel One flew over the cuckoo's nest are compared to these definitions and concepts.