In society, we as people look for acceptance. We want to belong. Deviant behavior is frowned upon and disapproval is expressed by society through negative sanctions such as shaming and labeling. Being involved in deviant behavior, such as in this electro shock experiment, would be difficult to do. One way the people involved, may have dealt with their own guilt or inner control was by using the techniques of neutralization described in the book, to justify what they had done. They may have seen themselves as just a pawn in the experiment, therefore did not hesitate to continue shocking the other person. Their inner control may have been telling them that what they were doing was wrong, but since they were not the ones that conducted the experiment, they did not blame themselves for causing the individual so much pain. They were simply doing their part in the research being done by the researcher.
             Had I been a part of this experiment, and had to justify my actions to my wife, I would probably use the following techniques of neutralization. Denial of Responsibility. I would have to say that I was not the one doing the research, and I only did what was asked of me from the researcher, I did not shock the other man simply because I enjoy causing others pain. Condemnation of the Condemners. I would say that there are people out there who have intentionally done worse things to others. I would also say that who could judge me anyway? As if I am the only one who has done wrong in my life. The last technique I would use would be Denial of Injury. I would say that nobody was killed or received serious bodily harm, so what was the big deal?
             I like to think that I would never harm someone simply because someone else is telling me to, but really I am not so sure. I was in the military for five years, so I know what it is like to have to take orders and comply without questions. In the case of Hitler and his military, outer c...