authoritarian personality

Question 1

What historical context influenced the study of the authoritarian personality?

Answer 1

The rise of fascism in 1930s Germany and the global crisis caused by the 1929 Wall Street Crash.

Question 2

How did Marx’s predictions about capitalism differ from the rise of authoritarianism?

Answer 2

Marx predicted proletarian revolt after financial crises, but instead, subservience to power and “kicking down” increased.

Question 3

How are cultural ideologies described?

Answer 3

They are represented and reproduced in culture, exist independently of individuals, and appeal differently based on individual needs.

Question 4

What is the connection between individual ideologies and personality?

Answer 4

Individual ideologies often express deep personality trends and can reveal underlying psychological needs.

Question 5

Describe personality in relation to behavior

Answer 5

Personality is latent and manifests as a readiness for behavior that depends on the context.

Question 6

How does society influence personality development?

Answer 6

Social, ethnic, religious, and economic factors shape parenting styles and personality development.

Question 7

Why are early life experiences critical in personality formation?

Answer 7

Environmental forces have a profound impact on shaping personality during childhood.

Question 8

When does authoritarian ideology appeal to individuals?

Answer 8

When psychological needs are met by “bowing up while kicking down” (obeying authority figures and maintaining the status quo).

Question 9

What are the three key components of authoritarianism?

Answer 9

Conventionalism, authoritarian submission, and authoritarian aggression.

Question 10

What was the demographic of the TAP study sample?

Answer 10

Over 2,000 white, non-Jewish, native-born, non-fascist Americans, mostly middle-class, well-educated, and young.

Question 11

What scales were developed in the TAP study?

Answer 11

Anti-Semitic (AS) scale, Ethnocentrism (E) scale, Political and Economic Conservatism (PEC) scale, and the F-Scale.

Question 12

What is the purpose of the F-Scale?

Answer 12

To measure the potential for fascism with target-neutral and ideologically-neutral items.

Question 13

What did the F-Scale reveal in its analysis?

Answer 13

Strong correlations with Ethnocentrism (.75) and Political/Economic Conservatism (.57).

Question 14

What characterizes the Anti-Semitic (A-S) personality?

Answer 14

Negative opinions about Jews, hostile attitudes, and moral values that justify these opinions.

Question 15

What defines the Ethnocentric (E) personality?

Answer 15

In-group favoritism, out-group hostility, anti-minority views, and patriotic attitudes.

Question 16

What is Social Dominance Orientation (SDO)?

Answer 16

A desire for one’s in-group to dominate and be superior to out-groups.

Question 17

What are the two subtypes of SDO?

Answer 17

SDO-D (Dominance): Belief in the superiority of certain groups.
SDO-E (Anti-egalitarianism): Rejection of equality among groups.

Question 18

What are the characteristics of Right-Wing Authoritarians?

Answer 18

Submission to established authorities, aggression in their name, and conventionalism.

Question 19

What are some statements reflecting RWA attitudes?

Answer 19

“Our country needs a strong leader to destroy sinfulness” and “The established authorities are usually right about things.”

Question 20

What does a psychological approach reveal about ideology?

Answer 20

Personality mediates sociological influences on ideology, highlighting which social factors are crucial.

Question 21

How does SDO differ from RWA?

Answer 21

SDO focuses on dominance and hierarchy, while RWA emphasizes submission to authority and maintaining the status quo.

Question 22

What are the A-S sub-scales?

Answer 22

• Offensive
• Threatening
• Attitudes about what should be done or against Jews
• Seclusion
• Intrusive