Institutional Aggression: Genocide

Nota:

• 5 stages of genocide: difficult social conditions/scapegoating of less powerful group/ dehumanisation of target group/moral values inapplicable, killing starts/passivity of bystanders enhances process.

Nota:

• Claims obedience to authority is the result of situational pressures

Nota:

• Argues Milgram’s account is monocausal-ignoring other  possible causes-and does not match historical record.

Nota:

• Esses et al=people high in social dominance orientation personality factor are more likely to dehumanise outgroup member, such as an asylum seeker.
• Media depictions of refugees cheating the system cause greater contempt i  high SDO than low SDO. Thes negative attitudes are rationalised through ‘legitimising myth’ indicating to high SDO individuals that these groups deserve hostility because they’re less human.