Obedience is the act of following the commands of an authority figure from "summary" of The Handbook of Social Psychology by Daniel Todd Gilbert,Susan T. Fiske,Gardner Lindzey
Obedience is a fundamental aspect of human behavior that involves following the commands of an authority figure. This concept has been extensively studied in social psychology to understand the factors that influence individuals to comply with authority figures, even when those commands may go against their own morals or values. The classic study by Milgram (1974) on obedience to authority demonstrated the powerful impact that authority figures can have on individuals' behavior. Milgram's study involved participants administering what they believed to be increasingly painful electric shocks to another person when instructed to do so by an experimenter. Despite the obvious distress of the "learner" and their own discomfort, the majority of participants continued to administer shocks simply because the authority figure told them to do so. This study highlighted the strong tendency for individuals to obey authority figures, even when it goes against their personal beliefs. The concept of obedience to authority can be explained by socialization processes that teach individuals to respect and obey authority figures from a young age. Parents, teachers, and other authority figures play a crucial role in instilling a sense of obedience in individuals, which can carry over into adulthood. Additionally, social norms and expectations within a society can reinforce the importance of obeying authority figures as a way to maintain order and cohesion. Obedience to authority can also be influenced by situational factors, such as the perceived legitimacy and credibility of the authority figure, the presence of other people who are also obeying, and the perceived consequences of disobedience. For example, individuals may be more likely to obey authority figures who are perceived as knowledgeable and trustworthy, or when they believe that disobeying could lead to negative consequences.- The concept of obedience to authority is a complex phenomenon that is deeply ingrained in human behavior. Understanding the factors that influence obedience can provide valuable insights into how individuals respond to authority figures and the role that social forces play in shaping behavior.
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