Examining Submissiveness in the Field of Mental Science
In the realm of psychology, obedience is a fascinating topic that has been explored extensively. Defined as a willingness to accommodate the demands of social norms or formal laws given by legitimate authorities, obedience plays a significant role in our daily lives.
First coined by Austrian psychologist Fritz Heider in the 1940s, this concept has since evolved with the work of various psychologists. For instance, the psychologist Karen Stenner proposed a different definition around 2015, arguing that authoritarianism (closely related to obedience) is not a personality trait but a reaction to threats to normative order.
Obedience can be categorised into two types: constructive and destructive. Constructive obedience involves behaviors that promote social harmony and the greater good of society. Common examples include a child listening to their parents' requests, drivers stopping at stop signs, employees completing tasks given by their manager, and citizens complying with government regulations to avoid fines.
On the other hand, destructive obedience is the acceptance of requests from an authority that is immoral, illegal, or harmful in some way. A notable study by Stanley Milgram in the 1960s and 1970s demonstrated this, showing that most people would administer a 450-volt shock to another participant when instructed by a university professor. Milgram did not conclude that people are evil, but rather that they are influenced by the social context of the situation.
Power is a factor in obedience, as a person in power may have the status to use power as an advantage to persuade others. Social influence is also a significant factor, affecting the social context of a situation and an individual's relationship to authority figures.
In recent years, research has suggested that the social environment plays a significant role in people's actions in opposition to their values. For instance, a large 2017 study indicated this, while research from 2023 suggests that authority demands sometimes conflict with a person's values and norms.
In situations where it isn't clear what to do, one might consider the pros and cons of each or go with their gut feeling. However, it's important to use critical thinking to avoid potential consequences when making a decision to obey demands or not. If a boss requests something that goes against a person's values or morals, they might have to rethink obeying the request.
Morality is an essential concept regarding obedience, as people disobey orders when their morals are more important than the cost of defying social orders. Remaining open-minded and using critical thinking skills may help determine the best course of action in such situations.
In conclusion, understanding obedience and its various factors is crucial in navigating our complex social world. By recognising the influence of power, social context, and our own moral compass, we can make informed decisions that promote constructive obedience and contribute to a harmonious society.
