Social Interdependence Theory

Yes, social interdependence can be, and often is, exploited for social control (Johnson & Johnson, 2008; Deutsch, 1949). When positive or negative interdependence is strategically structured, it can be leveraged to influence group norms, behaviour, and attitudes, sometimes at the expense of individual autonomy or well-being.

Exploitation of Positive Interdependence

Positive interdependence is often used by organizations, schools, or communities to foster cooperation, loyalty, and collective responsibility (Johnson & Johnson, 2008). In healthy contexts, this can support group cohesion and social solidarity. However, when manipulated, it can create conditions where individuals feel compelled to conform to group expectations or suppress dissent to maintain group harmony, sometimes leading to social pressure, groupthink, or even exclusion of contrary voices (Johnson & Johnson, 2008).

Groupthink, propaganda, and Self-Policing are examples of situations where behavioural rewards and punishments can cause specific target audiences to change their behaviour, in order to avoid exposure and risk of societal punishments. Blame, Scapegoating and Gaslighting can end up in violence against targeted individuals

Exploitation of Negative Interdependence

Negative interdependence, or competitive interdependence, is frequently exploited in systems or organizations that pit individuals or groups against each other (Deutsch, 1949). Examples include workplace incentive structures, educational ranking systems, or social hierarchies. These systems motivate individuals to achieve at the expense of others, which can lead to rivalry, hostility, and social fragmentation. Such frameworks can be used by authorities to maintain control by creating division and dependency, discouraging collective action or unified resistance (Deutsch, 1949; Johnson & Johnson, 2008).

Governmental agencies often encourage its population to claim benefits or entitlements, then threaten to withdraw them, causing that part of the population to need to be “more ill”, or “more disabled”, in order to retain their income. This dependence and risk of loss has the effect of reducing social unrest, since citizens dependent on government handouts will tend to support and vote for governments that claim to support those benefits. Thus, even the threat of increased competition can often create significant social change.

Social Control and Power Dynamics

Social control is achieved by manipulating the perceived interdependence among individuals or groups to shape behaviours, attitudes, and loyalties. This can be subtle, such as rewarding group conformity, or overt, like enforcing competition and surveillance. Both forms have been documented in educational, workplace, and political settings, where those in power construct social interdependence systems to promote their objectives, often at the cost of individual autonomy or group welfare (Johnson & Johnson, 2008; Deutsch, 1949).

Which psychological factors affect social interdependence?