CAUSES OF DEFIANCE: Why are people defiant in some situations???

Compare your answers in task 1 to the reasons which Milgam thought led to disobedience.

Let us consider some key differences between Milgram and Gamson’s research :

Being in a group. The participants in Milgram's study were tested individually while those in Gamson's were in groups. History indicates that disobedience, especially that based on moral and political beliefs, is nearly always a collective act. Of course, groups do not always rebel- they can be aggressive, unlawful and destructive. Nevertheless, the presence of others can provide the courage to act in accordance with conscience.

The legitimacy of the authority: when the pressure exerted on an individual is perceived to be based on self-interest or is inappropriate or illegitimate, then reactance is a more likely response than is obedience. In the MHBC research, many people questioned the right of the market consultant to tell them what to do.

The threat to freedom: there are occasions when heavy handed instructions have the opposite effect to that which was intended because people resent the attempt to curb their freedom of expression or right to behave as they choose. There are times when banning a book or record guarantees record sales. The participants in Gamson's study resented attempts to prevent them expressing their true opinions.

Activity : Being Obedient is not always the right response. Under what circumstances is it right to be disobedient?????

Destructive Obedience: resisting its effects

The research on obedience has led us to some general principles that may help in the resistance of social pressure to obey an illegitimate authority.

Reminding people that they are responsible for their own actions.

Emphasising that blind submission to a malevolent authority is inappropriate. One wayof doing this is to expose the individual to a disobedient model. This has the effect ofreducing obedience considerably, as shown by Milgram's variation in which aconfederate refused to obey.

Questioning whether authority figures are really in the best position to judge what is appropriate and what is not by considering their motives.

Simply being aware of the dangers of blind obedience, so that any decisions are only made after due deliberation.

In conclusion, research has indicated that the power of authorities to command obedience is considerable but it is not irresistible. Ultimately we have a choice in life and the more knowledge we have about the social forces that may result in blind obedience to destructive authority, the greater the opportunity to resist it.

So remember to say yourself ----

I am a person who makes choices

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Defiance/Causes