obedience: legitimacy of authority

why do we obey people further up a social hierarchy

people in certain positions hold authority over the rest of us

how is legitimate authority formed in society

the power authorities wield is legitimate because it is agreed by society. most people believe authority figures should exercise social power to allow society to function smoothly

why do we hand power to people with legitimate authority

to give them the power to punish others and we trust them to exercise authority properly

what happens when leaders abuse legitimate authority

it can be used as destructive legitimate authority - Hitler, Stalin

ordering people to behave in cruel and dangerous ways