Reading Group for the Authoritarian Personality

some ideas for discussion 8:30 am Sunday March 3rd

Rigidity of thought was one of the identifying personality traits that the study tried to isolate in those who are inclined toward authoritarianism. Adorno et. al. thought that there were personality traits that made us more inclined toward democratic culture and liberalism.

In Adorno’s time, an embrace of conspiracy thinking led to anti-semitism and racism and homophobia and intolerance.

What if a full, social media reification of tolerance and personality differentiates our time from the 1950s? How are we prepared to deal with the question of democracy in such a situation?

What are the rigid ideological positions that today’s authoritarian personality would possess?

One question I would like to include on a revised survey would be:

People who disagree with me are Fascists.

1. Strongly agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Please bring survey questions you would like to see included in a new survey, if there could be one for today.

Link to Zoom invite behind the paywall.