Strong character-based needs drive opposition to authoritarian regimes

Evidence

Just as environments vary in the extent to which they foster the expression of individual variability, so also do predispositions themselves vary. There is an extensive literature on the tendency of people to subordinate themselves to groups and consciously or unconsciously suppress their own views when they are in the company of others. But some individuals are remarkably resistant to such inhibitions and others have compliant tendencies (Allen, 1975; Asch, 1956; Janis, 1982). The intensity of psychological predispositions promotes expression of them. Most people suppress their impulses to challenge the regimes of authoritarian systems, but those with passionate convictions and strong character-based needs for self-expression or rebellion are more likely to oppose such regimes. (In doing so, they alter the environment, providing social support for their more compliant fellows to join them.) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1143 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Fascist-characters reject even authoritarian leaders they deem insufficiently powerful — Rolf Wiggershaus, The Frankfurt School: Its History,…, 1796; Authoritarian regime stability ultimately rests on informal patronage networks brokered by ethnic elites — Johan Brosché and Hanne Fjelde and Kristine Höglund, Electoral violence and the legacy of…, 22; People with intense personal convictions are more likely to oppose authoritarian regimes. — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1143

Broader Connections

• People with intense personal convictions are more likely to oppose authoritarian regimes. #corroborates (0.95) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 1143