File: Rethinking the psychology of tyranny: The BBC Prison Study (PDF)
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File Name (Posted by: Jamie)
Rethinking the psychology of tyranny: The BBC Prison Study (PDF)
Description
This paper presents findings from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) prison
study – an experimental case study that examined the consequences of randomly
dividing men into groups of prisoners and guards within a specially constructed
institution over a period of 8 days. Unlike the prisoners, the guards failed to identify
with their role. This made the guards reluctant to impose their authority and they were
eventually overcome by the prisoners. Participants then established an egalitarian social
system. When this proved unsustainable, moves to impose a tyrannical regime met with
weakening resistance. Empirical and theoretical analysis addresses the conditions under
which people identify with the groups to which they are assigned and the social,
organizational, and clinical consequences of either doing so or failing to do so. On the
basis of these findings, a new framework for understanding tyranny is outlined. This
suggests that it is powerlessness and the failure of groups that makes tyranny
psychologically acceptable.
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Comments (1)
On 12 December 2007 Phil Rochfort wrote:
Only just discovered this site. Always impressed by those willing to share resources for free. Thank you. I must try and make a contribution.
Phil
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