He wasn’t like that until he got promoted. Since she got into that movement she has become something else! These are the kind of conversations shared in social circles of people who have suddenly “changed”.
Is it true that social roles, power, and authority can influence behaviour? That one is meek until put in a position of power? Years of study and research has actually indicated that human beings can be controlled by circumstances around them.
The Stanford prison experiment is a famous psychological study that was conducted by psychologist Philip Zimbardo in 1971 at Stanford University. The study aimed to investigate the psychological effects of power and authority on human behavior.
The experiment was conducted by randomly selecting 24 male college students to participate in a simulated prison environment, with half of the participants assigned as guards and the other half as prisoners. The “guards” were given authority over the “prisoners” and were instructed to maintain order and control.
The experiment quickly escalated as the guards began to abuse their power and the prisoners became increasingly passive and submissive. The guards began to enforce harsh rules, and the prisoners became increasingly distressed, with some even showing signs of severe emotional and psychological distress.
The experiment was supposed to last for two weeks, but it was ultimately terminated after only six days due to the extreme psychological harm being inflicted on the prisoners. The study was widely reported and sparked much controversy and debate about the ethics of psychological research and the nature of power and authority.
The study shows how easily ordinary people can be induced to engage in cruel and inhumane behavior if placed in certain situations. But that’s not all. There is a lot to pick from this study.
Here are some key lessons from the study:
- The power of situational forces: The experiment demonstrated that people’s behavior can be heavily influenced by the situation they find themselves in, rather than their inherent personality traits.
- The dangers of authority: The experiment also highlighted the negative effects of unchecked authority, as the guards quickly began to abuse their power, mistreating the prisoners.
- The impact of group dynamics: The experiment also highlighted the powerful influence of group dynamics, as the guards and prisoners quickly formed distinct groups with distinct norms and behavior patterns.
- The ability of people to adapt to their roles: Another key insight from the experiment is the ability of people to adapt to the roles they play, and how this adaptation can influence their behavior.
- The potential for cruelty: The experiment also shed light on the potential for cruelty that exists within human nature, and how even seemingly normal and well-adjusted individuals can engage in cruel behavior when placed in certain situations.
Wherous this experiment is extreme, could similar patterns be noticed if one group was empowered economically? Are we the same until when we are different?
“We are all equal in the fact that we are all different. We are all the same in the fact that we will never be the same. We are united by the reality that all colours and all cultures are distinct & individual. We are harmonious in the reality that we are all held to this earth by the same gravity. We don’t share blood, but we share the air that keeps us alive.”
– C. JoyBell C.
Thank you for your time.
