Influence on thought: majority vs. minority

Been reading on the differing influence of minority and majority views (C.J. Nemeth, 1986) on individuals and groups. The main thrust of the article is that exposure to a persistent minority view enables more issue-relevant and divergent thinking, whereas exposure to a persistent
majority view usually leads to unthinking acceptance and convergent thinking.

In addition, exposure to a minority view is differentiated from exposure to a majority opposition view in that the latter still focuses thought on the prevailing majority viewpoint. More specifically, although it is unlikely that the minority view will be adopted as such, it stimulates the consideration of a larger range of alternatives. I.e., not only the issues relevant to the minority view are considered, but a wider range of possibilities are considered absolutely. As a consequence of being stimulated to consider alternatives, individuals become better problem solvers and decision makers.

Nemeth links this process, and divergent thinking, to creativity and independent thinking. Since dissenting minorities and the expression of their views will by extension also enhance consideration of alternatives at a group level, their value is also mentioned in connection with a
democracy. Nemeth cites John Stuart Mill's argument that the protection of minority views is an important democratic principle, and diversity and confrontation are important because they stimulate thinking.