What is the difference between compliance and obedience?

Compliance and obedience are both forms of social influence involving changes in behavior, but they differ in terms of the nature of the influence and the level of voluntariness involved.

Compliance refers to the act of conforming to a request or demand, often made by a peer or someone without authority. It is a change in behavior that is elicited by direct social pressure or a desire to gain approval or avoid disapproval. Compliance is often temporary and can occur even when the person complying does not necessarily agree with the action or principle behind the request. It is more about outward conformity than internal agreement.

Obedience, on the other hand, is a form of social influence where an individual follows the orders or directives of an authority figure. Obedience involves a hierarchy of power, and the person obeying usually accepts the authority of the person giving the orders. The behavior change in obedience is typically more enduring and can involve actions that the individual would not perform without the directive from the authority figure. Obedience can be driven by fear of punishment, respect for the rule of law, or belief in the legitimacy of the authority.

In summary, compliance is often a response to social pressure from peers and does not necessarily involve a power hierarchy, while obedience is a response to a directive from an authority figure and involves a clear power differential. Compliance is more about seeking social acceptance or avoiding social penalties, whereas obedience is about adhering to a perceived legitimate authority.