Orders and obedience: structure and agency

Abstract

Purpose

The major thesis of this article is how social contract theory sheds light on the interaction of structure and agency. A minor thesis is to rebut the conclusions drawn from Stanley Milgram's famous obedience experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

The argument rests in large part on an extensive review of authentic, empirical evidence found in studies of medical compliance.

Findings

Patient agency is choosing not to comply with medical orders has over the years forced structural changes in the doctor–patient relations. These changes can be understand through the evolution of three kinds of social contract.

Practical implications

One important implication is that non‐compliance can be a relational choice in one's lifeworld.

Originality/value

No other study has brought together Milgram's evidence with the medical compliance literature to demonstrate the integration of agency and structure.

Citation

Jackson, M. (2006), "Orders and obedience: structure and agency", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 26 No. 7/8, pp. 309-325. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443330610680407