Study chapter eight (social influence) in your prescribed book before attempting to
answer this question.
(A) Give your own example of destructive obedience that occurred in your society
and explain possible reasons as to the underlying reasons why people comply with
this form of social influen...
Introduction 4 TO 5 Prosocial behaviour 5 Empathy- Altruism hypothesis 6 TO 7 Negative-state relief model 7 TO 8 Empathetic Joy model 8 TO 9 Comparative Altruism 9 Kin selection theory 10 Defensive h...
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University of South Africa (Unisa)
Social Psychology (PYC4803)
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1. Study chapter eight (social influence) in your prescribed book before attempting to answer
this question. Give your own example of destructive obedience that occurred in your society and
explain possible reasons as to the underlying reasons why people comply with this form of social
influence.
Destructive obedience occurs when individuals comply with orders that result in harm to others. This
form of social influence can be driven by various factors including authority pressure, fear of
consequences, and a belief in the legitimacy of the authority. Chapter eight of the prescribed
textbook on social influence explores these dynamics and offers insights into why people sometimes
follow harmful commands. One notable example of destructive obedience in recent history is the
case of the Marikana Massacre in South Africa.
Example of Destructive Obedience: The Marikana Massacre
The Marikana Massacre occurred on August 16, 2012, when South African police opened fire on
striking miners at the Marikana platinum mine, killing 34 and injuring 78. This tragic event stemmed
from a labor dispute where miners were demanding higher wages. The police were instructed to
disperse the striking miners, who were perceived as a threat due to their alleged possession of
weapons and their aggressive stance.
Possible Reasons for Compliance
Authority and Legitimacy: The police officers involved in the Marikana Massacre were
following orders from their superiors, who were seen as legitimate authorities. This perceived
legitimacy is crucial in eliciting obedience, as individuals often believe that the orders from
recognized authorities are justified and must be followed.
Fear of Consequences: The officers may have feared disciplinary action or other negative
repercussions if they failed to comply with the commands. The pressure to conform to
authority directives can be immense, particularly in hierarchical organizations like the police
force, where dissent might be punished severely.
Deindividuation: In a large group, individuals might feel less personally accountable for their
actions. The concept of deindividuation suggests that people in groups are more likely to
engage in behaviors they would not typically consider if they were acting alone. The
anonymity provided by the group can reduce personal responsibility, making destructive
obedience more likely.
Conformity to Group Norms: Within the police force, there is a strong culture of solidarity and
obedience. Officers are trained to follow orders without question, which can create an
environment where conformity to group norms overrides personal moral judgments. This
cultural aspect of the police force likely played a significant role in the events at Marikana.
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