Psychology of Authoritarianism

Abstract

Abstract The psychological study of authoritarianism asks why ordinary people support authoritarian regimes and authoritarian leaders. One perspective studies the individual dispositions of people attracted to authoritarian leaders. Another focuses on the social psychological factors that impel people to embrace authoritarianism. A third perspective looks at the attractiveness of defending the status quo and justifying whatever system people are under, including authoritarian ones. In this chapter, we trace the history of the psychology of authoritarianism from foundational social psychological research on the authoritarian personality to recent work on social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism. Further, we describe how a combination of political and structural factors create identity uncertainty and cause stronger support for populist strongmen, and how political science and psychology work together to inform the area. Finally, we call for developing this literature further, including deepening interdisciplinary work, drawing on perspectives from related disciplines such as international relations.