agency theory

agency theory - founded by Milgram to do with obedience.

What did Milgram believe about obedience?

• he believed that society is hierarchal by nature.

• some at the top giving orders, most of us at the bottom obeying what we are told.

• he believes obedience is innately programmed, we are exposed to authority figures through family and school, through processes like rewards and punishments - we are taught to obey.

What are the two states in agency theory?

• autonomous state - when an individual exercises their free will, acting as an individual.

• agentic state - when an individual is acting as an agent/on behalf of an authority figure. The consequences are passed onto the authority figure.

What is the idea of moral strain?

• Milgram said that when he asked his Pp to do something they didn’t want to they experienced moral strain.

• occurs when someone is asked to do something that goes against their morals or beliefs.

• creates anxiety and distress due to contemplating acting in ways that may be socially unacceptable - contradicts what they have been socialised to do.

• in acting as an agent the consequences of their actions are passed onto the authority figure, leading to obedience.

What are the three variations to support agency theory?