Authoritarian traits may cohere as class norms rather than psychic dynamics
Evidence
The major alternative to the personality dynamic explanation of the covariation is the suggestion that the traits of the authoritarian cohere simply because they are the norms of people with little education and low SES. For each particular trait one could work out some plausible derivation from one or another aspect of SES. The dynamic explanation would make the coherence tighter by showing how one trait supports another, not logically but in terms of the needs and defenses postulated by psychoanalytic theory. It is likely that both sets of forces—the dynamic interrelations as well as the ties with status and education—cooperate to hold this mosaic together. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 653 (
#expands, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Horkheimer’s new psychology explained why class tensions stay latent — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 487; Fromm conflated sadomasochistic character with authoritarian society, losing the psychological dimension — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 616; Lower classes are most vulnerable to authority because socialization denies them ego-strength — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 610 (+19 more)
Broader Connections
- Authoritarian traits may cohere from low education and SES, not psychodynamics
#expands(0.92) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 653 - Authoritarianism reflects a personality pattern of dutifulness, order, and low openness
#complicates(0.80)