SOCA02H3 Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Document Summary
The social origins of evil: norms of solidarity demand conformity. We form relationships with friends, lovers, spouses, teammates, and comrades-in-arms, we develop shared ideas or norms of solidarity about how we should behave toward them to sustain the relationships. It is the power of norms of solidarity that helps us understand how soldiers are able to undertake many unpalatable actions: structures of authority tend to render people obedient. Most people find it difficult to disobey authorities because they fear ridicule, ostracism, and punishment. As soon as we are introduced to a structure of authority, we are inclined to obey those in power: bureaucracies are highly effective structures of authority. A bureaucracy is a large, impersonal organization comprising many clearly defined positions arranged in a hierarchy. Efficiency means achieving the bureaucracy"s goals at the least cost. We commonly think individual motives prompt our actions, and for good reason. Our deeply held emotions partly govern our behaviour.
