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The Dissenter

#1079 Christopher Federico: Political Preferences, Belief Systems, Collective Narcissism, & More

Apr 3, 2025
In this discussion, Christopher Federico, a Professor of Political Science and Psychology at the University of Minnesota, dives deep into the psychology behind political preferences. He explores how personal traits and societal influences forge liberal and conservative ideologies. Federico highlights the concept of collective narcissism, linking it to prejudice and political behaviors, especially in the context of nationalism in recent U.S. elections. Additionally, he examines how perceived threats to in-group identity fuel hostility and far-right support.
58:32

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Political preferences are shaped by both individual psychological traits and broader societal influences, emphasizing the interplay between personal and external factors.
  • Collective narcissism affects intergroup dynamics, as individuals exhibit hostility towards out-groups in response to perceived threats to their group's status and respect.

Deep dives

Understanding Political Preferences

Political preferences are influenced by a combination of individual characteristics and societal factors. Bottom-up factors include personal psychological needs, traits, and motives that predispose individuals to certain political identities. In contrast, top-down processes are shaped by political culture and the influence of political elites, such as party leaders and media figures. These elites help construct the range of political choices available, suggesting that personal political preferences may largely stem from a societal framework rather than being entirely self-derived.

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