Obedience is the act of following instructions or rules set by an authority figure. It involves complying with requests or commands, often to maintain order or achieve specific goals. This behavior is commonly observed in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, and families, where individuals are expected to adhere to guidelines.
In psychology, obedience is studied to understand how people respond to authority. Famous experiments, like those conducted by Stanley Milgram, revealed that individuals might follow orders even when they conflict with personal morals. Understanding obedience helps in analyzing social behavior and the dynamics of power in relationships.