Projection both enables and rationalizes the direct expression of repressed impulses

Evidence

By projecting his own unacceptable impulses to sex and aggression the prejudiced man is able to enjoy some direct expression of these impulses. The direct expression is justified by the supposed sexual and aggressive nature of his out-group targets. Since the beliefs which support the prejudiced man’s actions are not the true causes of his actions they may be considered “rationalizations” as well as projections. From a set of static correlates the authors have inferred a dynamic sequence which is put in psychoanalytic terms. Repression of impulses leads to projection which functions as rationalization for an expression. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 552

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Projection converts taboo inner impulses into perceived external enemies — Theodor W. Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Dialectic of Enlightenment, 152; Healthy cognition requires a reciprocal exchange between subject and object that projection destroys — Theodor W. Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Dialectic of Enlightenment, 150