Today, the ideal child is more likely to be defined as independent. Cialdini, et al. U.S. college students perceive unyielding people as more intelligent. However, people who are the source of social influence see a conformist as more intelligent. This is clearly a form of self-serving bias.
Conformity is less valued in North America than in most other societies.
In many other societies the ability of the individual to get along with groups is a highly valued characteristic. U.S. is an individualistic society. Interviews with over 20,000 adults in 9 countries. Part of the study focused on the most desirable qualities that parents saw in children. Parents in the U.S. though it more important for children to be self-reliant, while parents from Indonesia and Turkey though it more desirable for children to obey their parents.