Agency Theory Flashcards
What is the quote that Milgram used to back up agency theory?
‘We are socialised to obey authority figures’
List 3 ways were may have been rewarded with as children in return for obedience
- Prize box
- Golden time
- Pocket money
What does Milgram believe about agency theory?
It is innate and has helped to keep us alive to obey authority figures and keep the hierarchy alive
Define moral strain
As we grow up we are taught certain ways of life such as you should obey authority and you should not harm others, however, if an authority figure tells you to harm somebody you are placed into a form of Moral Strain. If you obey authority you go against your moral to not harm others and if you don’t harm the person then you are going against the moral of obeying authority. Moral strain pulls at your mind.
What is the autonomous state?
Knowing the rules and social norms of society, we are comfortable in the situations and have free-will. We feel we are responsible for our own behaviours.
What is the agentic state?
The agentic state is where the person believes themselves to be an ‘agent’ acting on behalf of an authority figure. Therefore, they are not responsible for their behaviours, instead the authority figure is.
What is the agentic shift?
The agentic shift is the movement from the autonomous state to the agentic, activated by moral strain. The responsibility of their behaviour has now been shifted onto the AF and therefore they can feel more relaxed.
Give an example of agency theory within Milgram’s study.
The ppts are told to obey authority by harming another ppt. This causes a moral strain. When ppts ask however, “who is responsible for this man?” and the experimenter tells them that he is, that triggers the agentic shift as the responsibility is no longer on them.
What percentage of Milgram’s ppts made the agentic shift?
65%
Who developed agency theory and why?
Milgram did in 1973 to explain the findings of his obedience study.
What way does Milgram state that society is structured in?
A hierarchal way with only a few individuals of authority at the top.
According to Milgram, what has happened to human behaviour to make it this way and why?
It’s evolved as a means of maintaining social order and avoiding chaos.
Why does society require leaders and obedience?
To allow it to function harmoniously
