Some degree of conformity is necessity for a society to function. We have customs, manners, and the like, and problems arise when people do not share these. In these areas, there is no reason not to conform to societal standards, and for a person to successfully function in society, he or she must observe many of them. However, there are other areas where conformity is not the preferred path. Clearly, when it would involve something immoral or unwise, it is totally reasonable to refuse to conform. Part of growing up is learning the former, and part of maturity is learning the latter. Clearly, public schools provide far from an optimal balance (emphasizing the former--with mixed success, but totally neglecting the latter), and home schoolers should be able to do much better, but they need to be careful not to go too far in the opposite direction.
You are being vague. Give one instance where you think a homeschooler would not have the necessary skills to be fully functioning members of society.
My homeschooled children interact continually with a variety of people, homeschooled and not. Today, for instance, they spent the afternoon playing with a family who are not homeschoolers. Tonight they're playing out front with a neighbor boy. Last week they spent a park day with a group of homeschoolers. Next week they'll be at soccer camp.
I'm kind of baffled why homeschoolers wouldn't pick up on the manners and customs that are necessary to get by in society, unless they're completely cloistered...what kinds of things are you referring to? Thanks.