Summary:
The authoritarian personality theory, first proposed by Theodor Adorno and colleagues in the 1950s, suggests that prejudice is not merely a social or cultural construct, but rather a psychological characteristic that stems from the way an individual is raised. According to this theory, people who hold prejudiced attitudes may do so because of the type of upbringing they experienced, particularly in early childhood. The theory posits that individuals who grow up with over-strict or authoritarian parenting are more likely to develop an authoritarian personality themselves.
The authoritarian personality is characterized by rigidity, a preference for conformity, and a tendency to view the world in black-and-white terms. These individuals may have experienced harsh, controlling, and sometimes punitive parenting, which can lead to feelings of resentment and frustration during childhood. However, due to the power imbalance between children and parents, this aggression cannot be directly expressed toward the authority figures in their lives. Instead, this anger and frustration are displaced and directed toward weaker or less powerful groups, often minority or low-status groups.
In this way, the theory suggests that prejudice arises as a defense mechanism: individuals who feel powerless or repressed during their upbringing may seek to assert dominance or superiority over others who they perceive as different or less powerful. The authoritarian personality, according to this theory, is thus a result of an internalized set of beliefs that justifies the mistreatment of others. Adorno and his colleagues argued that this mindset could lead to the formation of rigid and prejudiced attitudes toward people from different racial, ethnic, or social groups, reinforcing societal stereotypes and biases. This view has been critiqued and refined over time, but it remains an important early attempt to understand the psychological roots of prejudice
An Application:
An application of the authoritarian personality theory can be seen in the context of workplace discrimination and hierarchy. According to the theory, individuals who have experienced over-strict or authoritarian parenting may develop rigid views that favor conformity and hierarchy, leading to prejudiced attitudes, particularly toward minority or marginalized groups. In the workplace, these individuals may be more likely to display discriminatory behaviour, such as treating employees from minority backgrounds with bias, showing favouritism toward those who conform to traditional norms, or holding onto outdated stereotypes.
For example, a manager with an authoritarian personality might be less tolerant of diversity and more resistant to inclusive policies. They might unconsciously favor employees who share similar traits or backgrounds to their own, while making biased decisions against employees from different racial, ethnic, or cultural groups. This could manifest in hiring practices, promotions, or even day-to-day interactions with coworkers. Their rigid thinking might cause them to view non-conformity or diversity as threatening, reinforcing an exclusionary environment.
Moreover, this mindset could also lead to poor team dynamics, where minority employees feel marginalized or unsupported, and tensions rise between different groups. Addressing these issues in the workplace might involve providing diversity training, fostering a more open and inclusive culture, and encouraging employees to critically examine their biases and attitudes. By understanding how authoritarian traits can influence behaviour, organisations can create environments that challenge prejudices and promote more equitable treatment for all employees.
This theory has largely been superceded by other accounts of the formation and maintenance of prejudice - can you think of some of the reasons why it may not provide a definitive explanation for the presence of prejudice?
Key References
Adorno, T. W., Frenkel-Brunswik, E., Levinson, D. J., & Sanford, R. N. (1950). The Authoritarian Personality.Harper & Row.
This seminal work by Adorno and his colleagues outlines the authoritarian personality theory, examining how over-strict parenting and societal factors contribute to the development of prejudice and authoritarian tendencies.
Altemeyer, R. (1981). Right-wing authoritarianism. University of Manitoba Press.
Altemeyer expands on Adorno’s work by developing the concept of right-wing authoritarianism, which describes individuals who favor strong authority and social conformity, often leading to prejudice against marginalized groups.
Duckitt, J. (2001). A dual process cognitive-motivational theory of ideology and prejudice. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 33, 41-113.
Duckitt’s research builds on the authoritarian personality theory by integrating cognitive and motivational factors to explain the development of prejudice. It offers insights into how personality traits and societal influences contribute to ideological and discriminatory beliefs.
