Authoritarianism: The Role of Threat, Evolutionary Psychology, and the Will to Power

It has been demonstrated empirically and theoretically that threat is a primary contributor to the increased manifestations of the authoritarian personality. However, most conceptualizations of authoritarianism have failed to explore how these manifestations may have an adaptive value in the face of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Theory & psychology 2008-06, Vol.18 (3), p.423-440
Main Authors: Hastings, Brad M., Shaffer, Barbara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Authoritarianism
Evolution
Evolutionary psychology
Personality traits
Power
Psychological mechanisms
Psychology
Social exchange theory
Threats
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Summary:It has been demonstrated empirically and theoretically that threat is a primary contributor to the increased manifestations of the authoritarian personality. However, most conceptualizations of authoritarianism have failed to explore how these manifestations may have an adaptive value in the face of threat. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to employ the theories of evolutionary psychology in an attempt to provide a comprehensive explanation of authoritarianism. Attention is given to specific psychological mechanisms, such as coalition formation and social exchange, that when utilized by the authoritarian individual under conditions of threat, demonstrate adaptive value. Furthermore, a comprehensive explanation of authoritarianism is offered that encompasses variables related to authoritarianism, its association with a fundamental need to belong, and its larger philosophical relationship to Nietzsche's `will to power.'
ISSN:0959-3543
1461-7447
DOI:10.1177/0959354308089793