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The Social Origins of Authoritarianism

Bibliographic Data

ID6340910
AuthorsFrederick Solt (0000-0002-3154-6132, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA, corresponding author)
Year2012
Volume65
Issue4
Pages703-713
Publication date2012-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePolitical Research Quarterly (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1065-9129 • E-ISSN: 1938-274X
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1065912911424287
OpenAlexW2155037953
LanguageEN
Citations received40
References cited43

Despite much attention to the problematic consequences of authoritarianism, little research focuses on the causes of such unquestioning respect for “proper” authority. Elaborating on the social learning approach to authoritarianism, this article argues that economic inequality within countries shapes individuals’ feelings toward authority. As differences in condition increase, so does the relative power of the wealthy. As a result, regardless of their incomes, individuals’ experiences are more likely to lead them to view hierarchical relations as natural and, in turn, to hold greater respect for authority. Multilevel models of authoritarianism in countries around the world over three decades support this relative power theory

Authoritarianism · Democracy · Economics · Feeling · Inequality · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Power (physics · Sociology · Cultural Differences and Values · Culture, Economy, and Development Studies · Law · Psychology · Religion and Society Interactions · Social Psychology

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Unique citing works40
Citations per year3,33
Citation span2014 - 2026 (13)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 40
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