Theories of Obedience

Theories of Obedience

Milgram’s Agency Theory

  • Milgram’s Agency Theory proposes that people will obey authority when they believe that the authority will take responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
  • This theory suggests that individuals are in one of two states: an autonomous state, where they take responsibility for their own actions, or an agentic state, where they see themselves as agents for carrying out someone else’s wishes.
  • This theory was supported by Milgram’s electric shock experiment, in which participants were instructed to deliver electric shocks to another person, showing high levels of obedience to authority.

The Authoritarian Personality

  • The Authoritarian Personality theory suggests that certain people are more likely to obey authority due to their personality characteristics.
  • The theory was developed by Adorno et al. and posits that people with this personality type are more inclined towards obedience and respect for authority, likely driven by issues of power and control.
  • It is characterised by obedience to established authority and a general belief in absolute obedience or submission. This personality type is believed to be formed in childhood through harsh parental discipline.

Social Impact Theory

  • Developed by Bibb Latane, the Social Impact Theory suggests that the amount of obedience demonstrated by a person can be predicted by the strength of the social pressure they are under.
  • According to this theory, factors like proximity, the number of people making the demand, and the immediacy of the demand all influence the degree of obedience.
  • The individual is also likely to assess the legitimacy and importance of the request, which will also influence their obedience.

The power of situations

  • The power of situations theory attributes obedience to the power of the situation and societal norms, rather than individual characteristics or traits.
  • According to this theory, individuals are more likely to comply in unfamiliar situations or when they perceive themselves to be of lower status or power than the person making the request.
  • This theory emphasises the role of context and the individual’s decision-making process as factors contributing to obedience.

Legitimacy of Authority

  • The Legitimacy of Authority theory suggests that obedience is a response to the perceived legitimacy of the person in power.
  • According to this theory, individuals are more likely to obey authoritative figures who are seen as having valid and legitimate power, such as police officers or teachers.
  • The authority figure’s position, reputation, expertise, and the trust reposed in them form the basis for their perceived legitimacy.

Remember that while these theories provide explanations for obedience, they don’t cover all aspects of obedience and there may be other factors at play.