The authoritarian personality - why some voters feel drawn to populism and how to lure them away
Jul 14, 2022
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Dr Karen Stenner, a political psychologist & behavioral economist, discusses authoritarianism, right-wing politics, and strategies to shift human behavior via communications and campaigns. They explore the impact of left-leaning populism on right-wing voters and the complexities of appealing to authoritarian-leaning individuals. The podcast also touches on the dynamics of authoritarian electoral strategies and the intersection of moral values with political beliefs.
Authoritarianism linked to preference for group authority over individual freedom and conformity over diversity.
Need for 'constructive nationalism' emphasizing shared values to defuse normative threats.
Leaders urged to simplify dialogue, offer clarity, and reduce fear and anger in discourse.
Deep dives
Understanding the Nature of Authoritarian Personality
Authoritarian personality traits are discussed, highlighting how around a third of the population shows predisposition towards authoritarianism. This predisposition is linked to preferences for group authority over individual freedom and conformity over diversity. The podcast explores how loss of confidence in leaders and shared identity can trigger a threat to oneness and sameness, increasing the manifestation of intolerant attitudes.
Navigating Political Conversations and Constructive Nationalism
The episode delves into the challenges of engaging in political conversations amidst increasing complexity and normative threats. It stresses the need for a 'constructive nationalism' that emphasizes shared values and identity without pushing individuals into cognitive overload. Creating a reassuring narrative that addresses mistakes, shared values, and national unity is proposed as a means to defuse normative threats and reach a broader audience.
Balancing Complexity and Communication
The discussion touches on the cognitive challenges individuals face in processing complex issues especially in the digital age. It brings forward the idea that overwhelming information and constant normative threats can hinder people's ability to engage effectively. The imperative for leaders to provide simplicity in dialogue, offer clarity in chaos, and reduce fear and anger in discourse is underscored.
Addressing Taboos and Language in Political Discourse
Further exploration is made into the dynamics of language and taboo concepts within political discourse. The episode sheds light on how certain terms or language restrictions can inadvertently stimulate cognitive threat among individuals. It suggests the need for institutions and processes that allow for civil dialogue while avoiding the exclusionary effects of specific terminology or narratives.
The Importance of Finding and Activating Sacred Values in Politics
In the podcast, it is highlighted that the center-left liberal moderate political approach often struggles to tap into sacred values effectively. The discussion emphasizes the significance of allowing a sense of 'us' and fostering positive national identity without overshadowing it with historical errors. By recognizing the need to celebrate shared values and rituals, politicians can bridge divides and connect with a broader audience, unlocking significant political opportunities.
The Role of Preferential Voting Systems in Reducing Political Polarization
The episode delves into the impact of preferential voting systems like the one in Australia in mitigating political polarization. It is noted that such systems enable voters to prioritize their preferences and compel parties to address a wider range of concerns. By facilitating a more nuanced and diverse representation in parliaments, preferential voting systems offer a more balanced political landscape, promoting cooperation and constructive opposition. This approach contrasts with primary elections in the US, which can fuel extremist outcomes and exacerbate polarization.
In this episode host Rafael Behr talks to Dr Karen Stenner, the political psychologist & behavioral economist best known for long ago predicting the rise of Trump-like figures uner the kinds of conditions we now confront.
Her research on authoritarianism and 'Far Right' politics uses psychological theories and methods (in particular, Randomized Controlled Trials) to explain human behavior.
She also use those same theories and methods (particularly RCTs) to shift human behavior via communications and campaigns (of every kind), including designing and embedding messages that de-activate authoritarianism and diminish expressions of intolerance and racism in a society.
We also discuss the recent Labour victory in the Australian general election and the part that 'independent teals' played.
