Agency Theory (Milgram)

• What is the agentic state in Milgram's Agency Theory?

  The agentic state is when an individual carries out the orders of an authority figure, acting as their agent. They feel high anxiety or moral strain when realising their actions are wrong but feel powerless to disobey.
• What is the autonomous state in Milgram's Agency Theory?

  The autonomous state is when an individual behaves voluntarily, using their free will and taking responsibility for their actions. They act according to their own principles.
• What is the agentic shift in Milgram's Agency Theory?

  The agentic shift is the transition from the autonomous state (acting independently) to the agentic state (acting as an agent of an authority figure).
• What is moral strain in Milgram's Agency Theory?

  Moral strain occurs when an individual does something that goes against their principles but feels it is for the greater good, often leading to destructive obedience (obedience that results in harm).
• What are binding factors in Milgram's Agency Theory?

  Binding factors are aspects that allow individuals to maintain blame on the authority figure, helping them rationalise their actions and reduce personal responsibility.
• How does Milgram explain obedience through socialization?


  Milgram believes obedience is due to socialization, where children are trained from an early age to be obedient at home, school, and in society. As we grow, we accept rules as reasonable and appropriate, leading to increased obedience.
• What is legitimacy of authority in Milgram's Agency Theory?


  Legitimacy of authority refers to the societal agreement that certain individuals (e.g., parents, teachers, police) hold authority over others, making their authority legitimate and accepted.
• Differences between Agentic and Autonomous state?

  Agentic State:

  Individuals see themselves as agents of an authority figure.

  They do not feel responsible for their actions.

  They give up their free will.

  Example: Following orders from a boss even if it goes against personal morals.

  
  

  Autonomous State:

  Individuals behave voluntarily and are aware of their actions.

  They use their free will.

  They take responsibility for their actions.

  Example: Making a decision based on personal beliefs and principles.
• Supporting Evidence for Agency Theory

  Milgram's study showed 65% of participants obeyed authority and administered shocks up to 450V, demonstrating the agentic state where individuals act as agents of authority.
• Conflicting Evidence for Agency Theory

  35% of participants in Milgram's study did not obey fully, suggesting the theory may not apply universally and questioning its validity.
• Other Explanations for obedience:

  French and Raven (1959) proposed social power as an alternative explanation, suggesting authority figures exert power through legitimacy, expertise, or coercion.
• Usefulness of Agency Theory:

  It explains real-world events like the Holocaust, where soldiers claimed to "just follow orders." It also helps prevent destructive obedience by understanding the agentic shift.
• Testable nature of Agency Theory:

  Milgram's experiments provide empirical evidence, making the theory testable and replicable in controlled settings.
• Simplistic nature of Agency Theory

  The theory is reductionist(oversimplified), as it doesn't fully explain why some people disobey or the psychological processes behind obedience. It is more descriptive than explanatory.
• Summary of SCOUTS Evaluation:

  While Agency Theory has supporting evidence and is useful in explaining obedience, it faces conflicting evidence, alternative explanations, and is criticized for being simplistic and reductionist