agency theory

Question 1

what can explain obedience?

Answer 1

functions of hierarchal social systems seen from an evolutionary perspective can explain obedience

Question 2

what are the 2 basic states of mind according to milgram?

Answer 2

autonomous and agentic

Question 3

explain the autonomous state

Answer 3

• where we act under our own power
• decisions are made based on our own ideas of what is responsible and right to do
• actions are voluntary
• conscience is fully operative

Question 4

explain the agentic state

Answer 4

• where we see ourselves as agents of those in authority
• we defer any responsibility for our actions onto those in charge

Question 5

define agentic shift

Answer 5

• when a person shifts from the autonomous to agentic state
• you give up responsibility and follow orders without considering the consequences or whether the request is appropriate

Question 6

what causes moral strain?

Answer 6

• people in the agentic state feel as if they have no power so might as well act against their own moral code, causing them to do things they wouldn’t normally do
• so they don’t leave the agentic state
• this causes moral strain
• where you feel discomfort in giving up control as you actually disagree with the orders being given to you.

Question 7

what does moral strain cause us to use?

Answer 7

defence mechanisms such as denial or avoidance like not looking at the victim or rationalisation where they shift responsibility onto the victim (“he was a foolish volunteer”)

Question 8

strengths

Answer 8

Supporting evidence from Milgram’s study that found 65% of ppts followed the experimenter’s orders to administer shocks to the learner at the highest level of 450V, even though they appeared to be distressed and protested. Therefore, proving the existence of an agentic state (giving up our free will) when ordered to do something by an authority figure and that this can cause moral strain (discomfort in giving up control as you don’t actuall agree with the orders being given to you).

Supporting evidence from Hofling, who found that 21/22 nurses would obey a doctor who asked to give a patient an overdose of a drug. Therefore, showing high levels of obedience to an authority figure in a natural setting. The nurses went into an agentic state and gave up their free will, defering any responsbility onto the doctor as the doctor is seen as the authority figure. They did not consider the consequences and if they request was appropriate.

Question 9

weaknesses

Answer 9

agency theory cannot explain individual differences in obedience. Some people may disobey the authority figure. It neglects the minority of ppts that did not obey Milgram as 35% did not go up to 450V. Therefore the theory is a reductionist explanation of obedience in humans as it is too narrow and simplistic, ignoring the possibility that people do not stay in the agentic state.

Question 10

application

Answer 10

high application as if we know the cause of why people are so obedient to authority figures we can prevent events like WW2 from reoccuring. For example, Hitler wore uniform that was superior to everyone else, which may have made people obey him as they felt as if there was no other option as he was of a higher status. Therefore, bettering society and stopping blind obedience.