Discuss legitimacy of authority as an explanation for obedience. (Total 8 marks)

Legitimacy of authority refers to the degree to which individuals perceive an authority figure as having a socially recognised position of power. This perception often arises from the authority figure’s role in society, such as a teacher, police officer, or doctor. According to this explanation, individuals are more likely to obey those they perceive as legitimate authority figures, even when the orders conflict with their personal morals, as seen in Milgram’s study where the experimenter wore a lab coat to signify authority.

One strength of this explanation is its empirical support from Milgram’s research. (Point) Participants were more likely to obey the experimenter in a prestigious setting like Yale University compared to a run-down office block. (Because) This suggests that the perception of legitimacy is influenced by environmental cues, such as the authority figure’s appearance or institutional backing. (Why) However, this explanation cannot account for individual differences. (Counterargument) Some participants in Milgram’s study disobeyed despite the legitimacy of the experimenter, indicating that other factors, such as personality, may play a role.

A weakness of the legitimacy of authority explanation is its failure to fully account for cultural differences. (Point) For instance, obedience rates vary significantly between individualistic cultures (e.g., the USA) and collectivist cultures (e.g., China), where respect for authority may be more deeply ingrained. (Because) This suggests that cultural norms influence how legitimacy is perceived, which limits the explanation’s universality. (Why) However, this variation also highlights the importance of situational and cultural factors in shaping obedience. (Counterargument)