SOCIAL agency theory Flashcards
1
Q
define the term ‘moral strain’
A
a negative feeling by doing something morally wrong
2
Q
explain the two states in the agency theory
A
- autonomous - feel as if you have free will and take responsibility for your actions
- agentic - blindly obeying orders and not taking responsibility for consequences
3
Q
which state can cause moral strain
A
the agentic state
4
Q
what is the agentic shift
A
when we shift responsibility onto others as this relieves us of moral strain
5
Q
what determines the state
A
the situation - how socialised an individual is (respect and obey higher authority)
6
Q
why is obedience important in society
A
- equilibrium - allows us to live in a relatively calm society
- survival value - natural selection favours those who fit in to social hierarchy
7
Q
positive evaluation points for the agency theory
A
- useful application of Adolf Eichmann
German soldier still refusing to take responsibility - supporting evidence
Milgram’s study - useful application
police wearing uniforms - shows higher authority
8
Q
negative evaluation points for the agency theory
A
- alternative explanation
The social impact theory - i=f(SIN) - reductionist
isolates socialisation as a factor of obedience - refuting evidence
Adorno’s authoritarian personality
9
Q
A
