Most people refuse cruelty when victims are humanized

Evidence

One of the most striking findings of research on the suspension of morality is the extraordinary power of humanization to curb inhumane practices. Whether on the battlefield, in vengeful social relationships, or in the laboratory, people cannot persuade themselves to behave cruelly toward humanized others despite strong social pressure to do so. These findings shed some light on how to cultivate a humane society. Seeing common humanity in others arouses empathy and compassion toward them. It also instills a sense of shared responsibility for the quality of life in a society. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 2987 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Sensational perniciousness receives major attention. For example, Milgram’s (1974) research on obedient aggression is widely cited as evidence that good people can be talked into performing cruel deeds. What is rarely noted, however, is the equally striking evidence that most people refuse to behave cruelly toward humanized others under strong authoritarian commands, and when they have to inflict pain directly rather than remotely. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 631 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: People accept cruelty to the poor but recoil at commodifying their own bodies — Philip Mirowski, Never Let a Serious Crisis Go to Waste, 414; People usually refuse direct cruelty to humanized others even under authority — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 631; Cruelty to animals may underwrite cruelty to dehumanized humans (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Humanizing others reliably blocks cruel behavior even under strong pressure #corroborates (0.93) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 2987
• People usually refuse direct cruelty to humanized others even under authority #corroborates (0.92) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 631
• Cruelty to animals may underwrite cruelty to dehumanized humans #complicates (0.72)