Agency Theory

• How did Milgram describe society?

  Hierarchical with many at the bottom and a select few authority figures at the top
• Why did Milgram say society is hierarchical?

  We have evolved like this to ensure society continues without chaos
• What are the 2 states Milgram says we switch between?

  Agentic and Autonomous
• Describe the autonomous state

  We act on our own free will and hold responsibility for our own actions
• What is the agentic shift?

  When we experience moral strain so shift from an autonomous state to an agentic state to rid ourselves of the unpleasant feelings
• What is moral strain?

  when we experience 2 conflicting pulls between wanting to act agenticly and autonomously
• Give 2 strengths of Agency Theory

  1.Supporting Evidence: Milgram- 65% of ppts went to maximum voltage (450v) when following orders of an authority figure

  2.Real life application: can be used to understand past events in history such as WW2 and why these individuals followed orders.
• Give 2 weaknesses of Agency Theory

  1.Lacks eco-logical validity: most studies are done in lab conditions tat do not replicate real life so cannot be applied to real life situations

  2.Lacks objectivity: agentic states and autonomous states are difficult to define and measure.