Why do people obey authority?

Running head : Why do People Obey Authority

Why do People Obey Authority

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Why do People Obey Authority

Imagine a man who knocks at your door and claims that he is a police officer . He is dressed in a sleeveless jersey , baggy shorts and flip-flop sandals . He commands you to go with him to the police station on his dilapidated Volkswagen beetle and answer some questions there Would you believe him and obey him ? In your right mind , probably not But even if the man

were dressed in uniform , with a Ferrari-like automobile , some people , like many crooks , will still not obey the officer . For these people , they know that obedience is like being a victim of a trick , like a dog playing dead , rolling over and sitting at the command of its owner . Indeed , people obey authority because of compulsions from the Freudian id , including fear , instincts from the superego , such as pride , or moderations from the ego - a combination of the two

Fear is a motivation for obedience . People are conditioned to fear starting from birth . Punishment is a consequence of disobedience , but rewards are given for compliance . Parents practice this policy with their children , and as they grow up , they experience similar policies with their teachers , professors , clergymen , policemen , government officials , business managers and so forth . It becomes part of people 's instincts to obey even if obedience sometimes doesn 't make sense . But over time , people also learn the tricks of the trade...