Thomas Blass, an Expert on Milgram-Type Studies Around the World

Essay

Thomas Blass, an expert on Milgram-type studies around the world, believes obedience to authority is a pan-cultural universal. The author of Culture Conscious agrees. What is the evidence to support their conclusion?
In the 10 studies conducted in the United States, the average rate of full obedience (administering the most intense shock available) was 61%. In the nine studies conducted in eight other countries, the average rate of full obedience was very similar, 66%.
High and low rates of obedience were found in individualistic, moderately loose societies. High and low rates were found in tight, collectivistic societies. The lack of a pattern suggests that levels of obedience are not affected by two cultural dimensions, individualism-collectivism and tightness-looseness.
Some situations are so strong they override almost everything else that affects human behavior. Milgram-type studies place subjects in a powerful situation that makes it psychologically difficult to withdraw from the experiment. They are asked to administer shocks gradually. They are physically and psychologically distant from the learner. The experimenter repeats the commands and says he will take responsibility for whatever happens. Because Milgram-type studies create a powerful situation, most people obey, regardless of their individual personality or cultural background.