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PYC4803 Assignment 2 2024 (785738) - DUE 26 July 2024
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PYC4803 Assignment 2 2024 (785738) - DUE 26 July 2024 QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS
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PYC4803 Assignment2 2024 (785738) -
DUE 26 July 2024
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
[DATE]
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,PYC4803 Assignment 2 2024 (785738) - DUE 26 July 2024
(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 influence. (20
marks)
Destructive obedience refers to situations where individuals comply with
orders or directives that result in harm or damage to others. One significant
example of destructive obedience in modern society is the Abu Ghraib
prison scandal in 2004. In this incident, U.S. military personnel committed
severe human rights abuses against detainees in the Abu Ghraib prison in
Iraq. The abuses included physical and sexual assault, torture, and
humiliation of prisoners.
### Example: Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal
#### Background
In 2004, photographs and reports surfaced showing U.S. military personnel
abusing prisoners at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The soldiers involved
claimed they were following orders from higher-ups to "soften up" the
detainees for interrogation. The scandal led to widespread condemnation
and legal action against several low-ranking soldiers, though the extent of
higher-level involvement remains controversial.
### Underlying Reasons for Compliance
#### 1. **Authority Pressure**
The soldiers involved were acting under the perceived authority of their
superiors. Stanley Milgram's obedience studies demonstrated that
individuals are likely to follow orders from authority figures even when
those orders conflict with personal morals. The military hierarchy amplifies
, this effect, as obedience is a fundamental principle of military training and
discipline.
#### 2. **Dehumanization**
The detainees were often portrayed as dangerous terrorists or enemy
combatants, which contributed to their dehumanization. When individuals
are viewed as less than human, it becomes easier to justify harsh and
inhumane treatment. This psychological distancing reduces empathy and
increases the likelihood of abusive behavior.
#### 3. **Group Dynamics and Conformity**
In a group setting, especially under stressful conditions like those in a war
zone, individuals are more likely to conform to group norms and behaviors.
The soldiers at Abu Ghraib may have engaged in abusive actions partly
because they saw their peers doing the same, creating a social
environment where such behavior became normalized.
#### 4. **Moral Disengagement**
Moral disengagement mechanisms, such as displacement of responsibility
("I was just following orders") and diffusion of responsibility ("Everyone was
doing it"), allow individuals to commit acts they would typically consider
immoral without feeling personal guilt. These mechanisms help individuals
rationalize their actions and reduce cognitive dissonance.
#### 5. **Situational Factors**
The context of a war zone creates extreme situational pressures, including
fear, stress, and the need for quick compliance with orders. These
situational factors can override personal moral codes and lead to
destructive obedience. The harsh conditions and perceived constant threat
may have led soldiers to prioritize obedience and survival over ethical
considerations.
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