A theory of obedience

Why do people obey others? – this is the question to which I provide an a systematic answer through outlining my own theory of legitimacy. Six different types of obedience are discussed in detail. One may have different motives to obey: (1) out of fear of violence; (2) because it is in one’s interest; (3) because one accepts the ruling power as legally (4) or morally justified; (5) because one identifies with the ruler on an emotional level; (6) or because one takes the state of affairs as inevitable.