Concept of Obedience

Estimated time: 9 minutes

CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Obedience

Obedience is a type of social influence wherein people try to accept, agree, and respect the request and order of another person.
Obedience simply means to obey. It is a tendency to accept and agree to the requests and orders of persons of authority.

CISCE: Class 12

Meaning– Obedience is the act of following orders from someone in authority.
Obedience in Society – People obey authority figures like seniors, employers, or family heads based on social norms and power dynamics.
Obedience and Authority – Obedience is stronger when commands come from powerful figures with authority, even if they don't have the power to punish.
Milgram's Experiment – Milgram’s study showed that 65% of participants obeyed orders to give dangerous electric shocks, even when the victim protested.
Social Support – Social support can reduce obedience; people are less likely to obey if they have support from others resisting authority.
Disobedience and Social Influence – Disobedience can increase when individuals receive support from others, as seen in Milgram’s study and daily life examples.
Conclusion from Milgram’s Study – People often obey authority, regardless of the morality of the act, as long as the authority is perceived as legitimate.