Why do ordinary people participate in mass atrocities? Toward a Social Psychology of Authority and Responsibility, Criminal Consciousness in Argentina`s Dirty War, John Henry Cardinal Newman; Edited, Annotated, and with an, A Tragic Tale of Megalomania and Modern Medicine, Responsibility and the Individual in Japan and the United States. At the heart of the concept of war crimes is the idea that individuals can be held criminally responsible for the actions of a country or its soldiers. . "The legal and historical background is excellent. "—, Nominated for the 1990 C. Wright Mills Award given by the Society of Social Problems; the C. Wright Mills Award is given annually to a work that “critically addresses an issue of contemporary public importance” in a manner that advances understanding of the topic and describes “implications for courses of action”, Winner of a 1990 award given by the American Sociological Association. Many of the people who commit crimes of obedience, or who participate in torture may seem like normal people With its focus on concepts such as legitimacy and responsibility that bridge the individual and the social system, it is firmly rooted in an interdisciplinary vision of social psychology. If one is tasked with causing such pain to another person, disobedience in the form of insubordination is the choice that should be taken. The psycho-pathology of authoritarianism is a subject that preoccupied me for the first half of my life - ergo, for a good thirty years. Kelman and Hamilton make an important advance in filling this critical gap in our understanding of responses to authority. . They might tell themselves that there is simply no way that the recipients of such unthinkable violence are not guilty themselves of even more horrible crimes. An individuals personality has a vital role in their willingness to obey. 8. What is meant by crimes of obedience? These concepts are now ingrained in my psyche. Many of the people who commit crimes of obedience, or who participate in torture may seem like normal people The authorities directing the torture system are guilty of crimes of authority. Strongly recommended for general readers and undergraduates."—. This book examines these events and the public's response to them, presenting a major analysis of the rationale behind "crimes of obedience." Extending Kelman and Hamilton's (1989) research on crimes of obedience in the military, this article explores crimes of obedience and crimes of conformity in the workplace. Examples of these crimes are the Holocaust, the Dutch ‘politionele acties’ in Indonesia, the genocide in Rwanda and the US torturing at Guantanamo Bay. In his book Obedience to Authority, Milgram explains the negative effects of obedience, an idea that challenges our society’s stability. . "Crimes of Obedience" is an extremely catchy title which captures the essence of what I have studied as "authoritarianism" and "malignant aggression." This chapter looks at 4. . Towards the end of the course, my classmates and I all understood why our professor had asked that question and why none of us could be sure anymore how we’d now respond. Obedience occurs when you are told to do something (authority), whereas conformity happens through social pressure (the norms of the majority).. Obedience involves a hierarchy of power / status. . . In its recognition that resistance to crimes of obedience depends on collective processes, it makes a major contribution to the social psychology of social movements. Why are people so prone to following orders, sometimes against their will? . . The most horrible genocides of our time have been as atrocious as they have been diverse – in the ways they were carried out, prepared, and dealt with, as well as in the number of victims, or in the brutality of crimes. A few years back, I took a class on the interplay between perpetrators, victims, and bystanders during genocides and mass atrocities. "This is a major book in social psychology that deserves the attention of both sociological and psychological traditions. The constructs drawn from these traditions are skillfully interwoven into a sensible and surprisingly seamless web of explanation. The extent of past and current mass violence is shocking and barely conceivable for most of us as detached, remote bystanders. Therefore, the person giving the order has a higher status than the person receiving the order. By seeking to understand and explain such behavior, Kelman and Hamilton in their Crimes of Obedience have focused on a central problem faced by organized societies: The book successfully combines fascinating issues, scientific objectivity, and personal advocacy. An example of this may be football related violence, or racist, bigoted chants that may be heard at a game. . Kelman believed that the psychological environment of a sanctioned massacre has been changed so drastically from normal morality that individuals are no longer able to refer to it on their own. . I can think of no higher accolade. challenging. Conformity and Obedience When you think of the long and gloomy history of man, you find more hideous crimes have been committed in the name of obedience than have ever been committed in the name of rebellion. . Our shopping cart only supports Mozilla Firefox. Synopsis: This blog series discusses the social-psychological background of mass atrocities, and what implications it may have for genocide education. The Zamalka and Moadamiya neighbourhoods, both opposition-controlled suburbs, were hit by rockets containing some sort of chemical. The writing is careful and clear almost throughout, evincing a strong desire to communicate with the reader. "It is filled with interesting social psychological theorizing and with case studies of significant examples of crimes of obedience. We learned how easily ordinary people could be capable of harming others under certain conditions, and that anybody could be one of these ‘ordinary’ individuals. diverse traditions, the book remains fully coherent and tightly unified. Their book is an ardent plea for the right and obligation of citizens to resist illegal and immoral orders from above. In this blog series I want to focus on the latter scenario. Past experience includes Reporters Without Borders in Germany, and the European Journalism Centre in the Netherlands. Coined by scholar Herbert Kelman, it refers to crimes that might naturally receive a strong punishment under normal conditions – such as massacres – yet are enabled by the policies of authoritarian states. . I want to discuss this in four parts: The theory behind “Crimes of Obedience” (Part 1); how this becomes visible in different cases of mass atrocities (Part 2); observations in everyday life (Part 3); and finally, a conclusion as to what this means for society and education (Part 4). The most horrible genocides of our time have been as atrocious as they have been diverse – in the ways they were carried out, prepared, and dealt with, as well as in the number of victims, or in the brutality of crimes. . As political psychologist Herbert Kelman puts it, torture is "a crime of obedience, carried out within a hierarchical authority structure, and serving the purposes of public policy". The complexity and ambiguity surrounding crimes of obedience are superbly rendered in this book. If we are to discuss the influence of authority, the term “Crimes of Obedience” is key. “The Perils of Obedience” written by Stanley Milgram and “Review of Stanley Milgram’s Experiments on Obedience” written by Diana Baumrind are both intriguing articles about Stanley Milgram’s experiments on obedience. And, as I will propose in the following blogs, it should take a very brave and unique individual to discard group morals in favor of his or her own intuition. Not all genocides occurred under strict authoritarian planning such as the Holocaust did, and all were subject to different circumstances. This is just the tip of the iceberg. She is interested and currently involved in migration and refugee issues in Europe, primarily France and England. Examples include; Genocide War crimes… Please ensure you're using that browser before attempting to purchase. . . Examples of crimes include intentionally killing civilians or prisoners, torturing, destroying civilian property, taking hostages, performing a perfidy, raping, using child soldiers, pillaging, declaring that no quarter will be given, and seriously violating the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity. Highly readable . She received her Bachelor's Degree in International Relations from Maastricht University. The psycho-pathology of authoritarianism is a subject that preoccupied me for the first half of my life - ergo, for a good thirty years. . phenomenon in human behavior, ... replete with examples; the social responsibility category is the thir d major. Puzzlement can vanish when we realize that in the eyes of their perpetrators the hideous crimes of history are not hideous crimes at all, but acts of loyalty, patriotism and duty. Crimes of obedience can be most closely identified with war crimes or even to some extent torture. For further vital reading on “Crimes of Obedience,” I recommend the corresponding book. Besides the “upscaling”, there has also been “downscaling” whereby the framework of “crimes of obedience” has been applied, or suggested to be applied, also to ‘less destructive processes’ such as corporate crimes, sexual harassment, harms in the workplace, and torture in … obedience norms. "Crimes of Obedience" is an extremely catchy title which captures the essence of what I have studied as "authoritarianism" and "malignant aggression." Karofi and Mwanza (2006) say that global crimes includes, international trade in illegal drugs, weapons and … . . "Contribute[s] original sociological analysis in its identification of traits correlating to the propensity to commit crimes of obedience. In the process, a new moral code replaces feelings of responsibility towards the victims, and requires that a new duty is fulfilled. . An example of crimes of obedience within a nonviolent political context could be Nixon’s Watergate scandal. Yet it is an introduction to a mindset that is informed by obedience to authority. The death toll varies from at least 281 to 1,729, while around 3,600 people were hospitalized displaying neurotoxic symptoms. At the start of the very first lecture, the professor asked students to raise their hands if they thought they could or would ever torture another individual, even on a small level. Kelman describes this as the “transformation process”: Slowly, the perpetrator’s mind is programmed to believe in a goal for which violence is legitimate. If we are to discuss the influence of authority, the term “. In summary, this was a highly publicized political scandal occurring in the United States due to the 1972 break-in at the DNC ( Democratic National Committee ) headquarters in Washington, D.C. The My Lai massacre, Watergate, the Iran-Contra affair: these are examples of the tendency for people to commit illegal acts when so ordered by authority. Sergeant William Calley’s defense of his behavior in the My Lai massacre and the widespread public support for his argument that he was merely obeying orders from a superior and was not personally culpable led Herbert C. Kelman and V. Lee Hamilton to investigate the attitudes toward responsibility and authority that underlie "crimes of obedience"—not only in military circumstances like My Lai but as manifested in Watergate, the Iran-Contra scandal… . The My Lai massacre, Watergate, the Iran-Contra affair: these are examples of the tendency for people to commit illegal acts when so ordered by authority. However, there are instances where obedience can become destructive, as is the case when crimes of obedience are committed. The authors convey difficult, subtle, or ambiguous concepts not through terse black-white definitions, but, instead, in such a way as to communicate nuances of meaning and usage. . I believe that this is to do with the sense of anonymity created from being in a large group. Strongly recommended. provide numerous examples of situations in which people in posi-tions of authority commit both systematic and spontaneous acts of torture, rape, and murder. Obedience is detrimental when it can cause physical or mental anguish. This book examines these events and the public's response to them, presenting a major analysis of the rationale behind "crimes of obedience." Subscribe to hear when New Releases or Catalogs are ready! State crimes are committed by, or on behalf of the states and government in order to further their policies. "Refreshing as well as disturbing reading. "—Alfred McClung Lee. This book examines these events and the public's response to them, presenting a major analysis of the rationale behind "crimes of obedience." . The case studies of the next blog will delve deeper into that. Kelman and Hamilton (1989) refer to this phenomenon as crimes of obedience. War crimes War crimes. Give examples. "A patently original, socially compelling, thoroughly scholarly dissection of actions in response to commands by authorities that are morally repugnant to some or many of the participants and the rest of us. . These concepts are now ingrained in my psyche. . . “A crime of obedience is an act performed in response to orders from authority that is considered illegal or immoral by the larger community” (Kelman & … Ordinary Murderers, Part 1: Crimes of Obedience The extent of past and current mass violence is shocking and barely conceivable for most of us as detached, remote bystanders. Crimes of obedience are defined here as acts “performed in response to orders from authority that are considered illegal or immoral by the international community” (Kelman and Hamilton 1989: 46). We thus have access now to a far more complete account of destructive obedience. . "A case study in political psychology. The My Lai massacre, Watergate, the Iran-Contra affair: these are examples of the tendency for people to commit illegal acts when so ordered by authority. Pauline is a Master's student at King's College London. In its dedication to theory and contemporary relevance—to the realization that behavior is a function of the person and the situation—their book reflects the spirit of Kurt Lewin. The key is obedience to authority. The My Lai massacre, Watergate, the Iran-Contra affair: these are examples of the tendency for people to commit illegal acts when so ordered by authority. Ever since crimes of obedience have become a distressingly recurr ent. . crimes of obedience (such as torture at Abu Ghraib), higher-level superiors may in fact not have issued specific orderstoengageinthesecriminalacts,buttheyaretheones . Once the first order of violence is completed, there is no reason for questioning any other orders, let alone the return to previously-held morals – the slate is already “dirty.” In the very last stage, killing and violence can be justified because questioning the purpose and morality would mean defying the state’s authority and core ideology, which is held by the whole group. Crimes of Obedience. Examples of international crime control bodies are; Interpol (international police organisation) and Europol (European police office). ​Ordinary Murderers, Part 1: Crimes of Obedience. The book thus succeeds in presenting a thought-provoking framework for studying a troubling phenomenon—Michael Kenneth Isenman. "—Herbert Hirsch. Conformity and Obedience 209 5. Our military system, acts of genocide, and the inequalities of women are all negative products of mass obedience to authority. I can think of no higher accolade. For further vital reading on “Crimes of Obedience,” I recommend the corresponding book, Crimes of Obedience, by Herbert C. Kelman and V. Lee Hamilton from 1989; Kelman’s “The social context of torture: Policy process and authority structure” (1993), and Erwin Staub’s The Roots of Evil: The Origins of Genocide and Other Group Violence (1989). The book should remind all participants in the educative process that it is, in fact, their duty to provide the democratic decision makers who will occupy the empowered roles called for by Kelman and Hamilton. . A particularly unique contribution of this book is a concern with individual differences in orientation toward authority. Perpetrators feel compelled to focus on the job rather than on its meaning, and automatically assume the victims to be guilty. Yet most have one thing in common: Many perpetrators were seemingly ordinary persons that were repeatedly compelled to commit acts of mass violence and rape against their own kind. . "Despite . Though highly readable, the book is nevertheless challenging because of the intricate nature of its subject. . The authors boldly interweave a micro-level examination of psychological constructs and interpersonal relations with a macro-level analysis of sociopolitical contexts. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! In its dedication to theory and contemporary relevance—to the realization that behavior is a function of the person and the situation—their book reflects the spirit of Kurt Lewin. However, there are instances where obedience can become destructive, as is the case when crimes of obedience are committed. I distinctly remember how lonely those two or three hands looked up in the air, including the professor’s. The authors teach us to look much closer and deeper into the causes of these tragedies. "—Arthur G. Miller. What are state crimes? The authors identify authorization, routinization, and dehumanization as conditions under which the usual moral inhibitions become weakened. Diana Baumrind believes that Stanley Milgram failed at his experiences on obedience rather than succeeded. "—Andre Modigliani. . A modern example of a war crime would be Ghouta Chemical Attack on August 21 2013. At the same time, there are instances when ordinary people without any prior offenses or wrongdoings become deeply entangled in and indoctrinated by the rules, regulations, and orders of a totalitarian government – without being genuine followers of an ideology. 13 Crimes That Shocked the World and Changed Our Culture Forever From the rise of the 24/7 media circus, conspiracy theories and the end of the '60s, here are the crimes … Sergeant William Calley’s defense of his behavior in the My Lai massacre and the widespread public support for his argument that he was merely obeying orders from a superior and was not personally culpable led Herbert C. Kelman and V. Lee Hamilton to investigate the attitudes toward responsibility and authority that underlie "crimes of obedience"—not only in military circumstances like My Lai but as manifested in Watergate, the Iran-Contra scandal, and the Kurt Waldheim affair. . Many times, perpetrators of genocides followed an ideological belief and killed because of that belief. . As Don Mixon in his book Obedience and Civilization explains: “We may be genuinely puzzled as to how people could obey commands that seem both bloodthirsty and stupid. Mass Atrocity, Ordinary Evil, and Hannah Arendt. "The book has a definitive, polished quality. In-depth conversations with experts on topics that matter. "—William A. Gamson. . "—Leonard W. Doob, "The book successfully combines fascinating issues, scientific objectivity, and personal advocacy. Crimes of obedience result from the tendency of ordinary people to commit illegal, immoral, or unethical acts against others when ordered by someone in authority or having power over them. . Crimes of obedience can be most closely identified with war crimes or even to some extent torture. This book examines these events and the public's response to them, presenting a major analysis of the rationale behind "crimes of obedience."