Power

Abstract

This chapter replays the Stanford Prison Experiment by Philip Zimbardo, going into detail about how the arbitrary assignment of guard and prisoner roles led to some of the most sadistic behavior witnessed in a laboratory environment. The study demonstrated how behavioral scripts are put in motion, where people conform to social stereotypes and role expectations as driven by power and influence differentials. The experiment is juxtaposed against the 2016 Academy Awards, where indirect forms of power resulted in a lack of minority nominations, bringing to light a multitude of signs pointing to indirect discrimination. The outcry led to a commitment to both overhaul membership in the academy and improve the mechanics of the awards process. Implications for the workplace extend to diversity and inclusion practices and policies to safeguard against harassment and bullying.