The authoritarian personality is a construct that outlines traits like rigid adherence to norms, submission to authority, and aggression towards norm violators. Originating from Theodor Adorno's post-WWII research, it connects dispositional factors to fascist ideologies and obedience. The F-scale measures these tendencies, revealing correlations with prejudice and support for authoritarian regimes, while also considering the role of social context.
Show More
The authoritarian personality is characterized by rigid adherence to conventional values, submission to authority, and aggression towards those who violate societal norms
Belief in strict social hierarchies and legitimacy of authority figures
Individuals with an authoritarian personality tend to believe in strict social hierarchies and view authority figures as legitimate
Support for traditional social roles and hostility towards outgroups
People with an authoritarian personality may support traditional social roles and exhibit hostility towards outgroups or individuals perceived as different
The theory of authoritarian personality suggests that certain childhood experiences, such as harsh and punitive parenting, can contribute to the development of authoritarian traits
Dispositional factors are inherent personality traits that influence an individual's behavior in response to authority
The F-Scale is a measure of authoritarian tendencies, including dimensions such as conventionalism, submission to authority, and aggression
Higher scores on the F-Scale have been correlated with uncritical obedience to authority, rigid hierarchical views of society, and prejudicial attitudes
Adorno's research on authoritarian personality was conducted in the aftermath of World War II to understand the psychological underpinnings of fascism and anti-democratic tendencies
Adorno's research found a correlation between authoritarian traits and obedience/prejudice, suggesting a psychological link between authoritarianism and susceptibility to fascist beliefs
While Adorno's theory offers valuable insights, it has faced criticism for its limited generalizability, potential cultural bias, and oversimplification of complex political beliefs
00
Those with an authoritarian personality may show ______ towards people who challenge societal ______.
aggression
norms
01
Key proponents of authoritarian personality theory
Theodor Adorno and colleagues
02
Personality traits linked to fascism in the theory
Authoritarianism, aggressive nationalism, suppression of opposition
