Serban explores the definition of good adjustment through the lens of social conformity, modifying slightly the common definition of conforming well to social systems and arguing that rather, the ability to navigate contradiction and ambiguity in social expectations is key. The first chapter problematizes the concept of "normal" behavior, pointing out the frequent divergence between good functioning in social/economic and emotional realms. The role of personality in conforming behavior and the influence of stress and coping motivations are discussed, followed by characterization of "conformist" and "nonconformist" people and the fact that nonconforming is paradoxically rewarded in some contexts and still accepted as normal. The penultimate chapter brings up the ability of psychopaths to convincingly conform when it suits them, and the final chapter points out the many axes of polarization in society, and the necessity of either behaving inconsistently or conforming to one subgroup at the expense of others. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)