The Authoritarian Personality

The Authoritarian Personality is a concept developed in the 1950s to explain certain individuals' inclination towards prejudice and adherence to strict social hierarchies. It suggests that some people have personality traits—like a strong need for order, intolerance of ambiguity, and rigid views—that make them more likely to support authoritarian ideologies and leaders. This personality type often displays conventionalism and aggression towards out-groups, viewing them as threats. The theory emerged from studies on attitudes toward authority and explored how upbringing and social factors contribute to these traits, influencing political and social behavior.