The Authoritarian Specter - Hardcover

by Bob Altemeyer (Author)

The bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, the emergence of militias and skinheads, the rise of the religious right, the attacks on Planned Parenthood clinics, the backlash against equal rights movements, the increase in poverty...these, according to Bob Altemeyer, are all versions of one story--the authoritarian personality in action. But aren't authoritarians Nazi types, kooks, the Klan? These are just the extreme examples, he argues. The Authoritarian Specter shows that many ordinary people today are psychologically disposed to embrace antidemocratic, fascist policies.

The book presents the latest results from a prize-winning research program on the authoritarian personality--a victory for the scientific method in the struggle to understand the worst aspects of ourselves. It connects for the first time the many ways authoritarianism undermines democracy. Many of our biggest problems, seemingly unrelated, have authoritarian roots. The scientific studies demonstrating this are extensive and thorough; their powerful findings are presented in a conversational, clear manner that engages readers from all backgrounds.

This is an important, timely work. It explains a growing movement to submit to a "man on horseback," to attack those who are different, to march in lockstep. Altemeyer reveals that these sentiments are strongly held even by many American lawmakers. These discoveries deserve careful attention in a presidential election year.

Back Jacket

The bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, the emergence of militias and skinheads, attacks on Planned Parenthood clinics, the backlash against equal rights movements - these, according to Bob Altemeyer, are all versions of one story: the authoritarian personality in action. But Nazi types, militias, and the Klan are just extreme examples of authoritarians, he argues. The Authoritarian Specter shows that many ordinary people today are highly susceptible to hate literature and are psychologically disposed to embrace antidemocratic, fascist policies. Many of our biggest problems, seemingly unrelated, are found to have common authoritarian roots. Based on results from a prize-winning research program, this book gives insight into how authoritarian minds are created and how they operate, and how their failings and vulnerabilities produce submission and aggression. A search for authoritarians on the left finds very few. Instead, studies reveal a strong concentration of authoritarians among religious fundamentalists and conservative politicians. These and many other powerful findings explain a persistent sentiment in our democracy to submit to "a man on horseback", to attack those who are different, to march in lock-step. This compelling, timely work advances our scientific understanding of authoritarianism on many fronts and deserves a wide readership.