Agency Theory

Question 1

Agency Theory= Milgram (1973)

A01

Answer 1

Obedience explained in terms of functions of hierarchical social system- involves a degree of control over someone’s actions. They give up control, in accepting orders of superior of authority.

Milgram suggests that people are agents of each other in society, as people have EVOLVED to obey those in higher positions (those with legitimate authorities eg police officers). This ensures social harmony as people cannot do what they want

Often rules/orders are in our best interest but can lead to destructive obedience, leading to the harm of others

Question 2

Agency Theory= Milgram (1973)

A01

Answer 2

Autonomous State-When you take control of your behaviour and therefore feel responsible for and aware of the consequences

An order from an authority figure can lead to either the moral strain or agentic shift

• Moral strain=unpleasant sensation from pressure to obey order to commit immoral act. 2 contradictory urges- to obey authority(+society’s expectations) or obey our own consciousness (keep our own self image as a ‘good person’) can manifest physically as shaking,weeping or nervous laughter
• Agentic shift= following the order from authority figure and enter the agentic state

Question 3

Agency Theory= Milgram (1973)

A01

Answer 3

Reducing moral strain-

• Moral strain DOESN’T MEAN a person obeys; in Milgram’s study 35% of people removed themselves from the situation and refused to continue= reduced through DISOBEDIENCE
• Can also be reduced through OBEDIENCE= obey order moves you into agentic state, responsibility is displaced onto authority, and so there’s a reduction in moral strain
• Strategies such as avoidance or denial may be used to to reduce it also

Question 4

Agency Theory= Milgram (1973)

A01

Answer 4

Agentic state- When you are obeying an order from and authority figure. Responsibility is displaced onto authority and frees the demand of the consciousness, which mean you are more likely to continue to obey. There is also an less emotional connection with your actions. You give up control over your actions in accepting a superiors commands

Question 5

Agency Theory= Milgram (1973)

A01

Answer 5

Would be chaotic if people were autonomous all the time- learn through socialisation as a child eg though teachers and parents to give up autonomy sometimes. We internalise an understanding that authority has to be obeyed