Gender (Obedience)

• Obedience is largely gender-neutral, despite traditional belief: women more empathetic, less likely to hurt (obey), men prioritise justice (‘black and white’ view) or women are more susceptible to social influence so obedient
• Blass (1999): Statistical analysis of all replications of Milgram's obedience research between 1961 and 1985 revealed no difference in levels of obedience, 8/9 replications found no gender differences
• Sheridan and King (1972): Adapted Milgram’s experiment using a puppy as the ‘learner’, shocks were given by college students; the 13 female participants were more compliant (100% obedience) than the men, (54%)
• Burger: Replicated Milgram’s findings of no gender differences
• Kilham and Mann (1974): Milgram replication: Males - 40% obedient, and females - 16%; difference may be explained as ‘teachers’ and ‘learners’ were the same gender (females more reluctant to ‘shock’ another female or joined against the aggressive male experimenter)