Coercion

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/coercion

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the psychological component?Often involves psychological abuse to enhance threat credibility and induce compliance
2. What is the legal doctrine?Recognized in law as 'duress,' potentially mitigating criminal responsibility
3. How is coercion different from persuasion?Persuasion uses talking and sharing ideas to convince someone, while coercion uses threats or real danger to make them obey.
4. Why can coercion hurt people?Because it can cause fear, stress, and even trauma. It can make people feel helpless and lose trust in others.

Autonomy: The capacity of an individual to make informed, uncoerced decisions about their own life.
Persuasion: The act of influencing someone through argument or appeal, without the use of threats.
Monopoly on Legitimate Force: The state's exclusive right to use physical force within its territory, as defined by Max Weber.