Population Control and the Psychology of Forced Compliance

The relationship of the psychology of forced compliance to changing fertility behavior is examined. For many persons, fertility control is a behavior inconsistent with private attitudes. It is assumed that changes of both attitudes and behaviors are necessary for effective and lasting changes in the rate of population growth; therefore, suggestions are offered for effecting behavioral changes that will have the consequence of effecting attitude change. Counterattitudinal behavior can produce changes in attitudes provided that (a) the behavior is induced but not forced, (b) incentives offered for the behavior are just minimally sufficient to elicit the behavior, and (c) the behavior leads to consequences that were previously unwanted. Some of the dangers of forced compliance techniques are also discussed. 1974 The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues