David Riesman’s The Lonely Crowd analyzes the shift in American social character from an inner-directed type, where individuals are guided by internalized values and traditions, to an other-directed type that is highly influenced by societal expectations and peer approval. Riesman argues that in a post-industrial society, people increasingly base their actions on external cues rather than self-determined ideals, leading to conformity and a loss of genuine individuality. This shift is seen as a symptom of broader cultural changes that prioritize social acceptance over personal autonomy.