authoritarian personality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authoritarian personality" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in psychological and sociological contexts to describe a personality type characterized by a strong adherence to authority and conformity, often associated with prejudice and rigid thinking. Example: "The study aimed to explore the relationship between an authoritarian personality and political attitudes among participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

And that's the authoritarian personality".

The New Yorker

Prejudices like racism are often hallmarks of an authoritarian personality.

The Guardian

A combination of narcissism and paranoia produces what is known as an authoritarian personality.

The Guardian - Film

In the 1940s many investigators focused on intensive studies of individual traits and of combinations of traits that seemed to define personality types, such as the "authoritarian personality".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Luther was a man who looked "neither left nor right" in his polemics, says Roper: the reformation took the direction it did largely because of his authoritarian personality.

The Guardian - Books

Like Lasswell, the German philosopher Theodor Adorno (1903 69) and others adopted Freudian insights in their pioneering study The Authoritarian Personality (1950), which used a 29-item questionnaire to detect the susceptibility of individuals to fascist beliefs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

People with authoritarian personalities tend to be right-wing and conformist.

The Guardian

Trump, since he admires authoritarian personalities, might be pleased to know that Marx supported free trade on a "the worse things get" theory: by driving wages lower, free trade increases the impoverishment of the working class and leads more quickly to the revolution.

The New Yorker

Like other authoritarian personalities, Isaacson explained, the best way to bring out Steve's democratic instincts was to scream at him.

TechCrunch

And they both have authoritarian personalities". .

Huffington Post

I want somebody with flexibility, no matter how much it freaks out the authoritarian personalities in the media.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When analyzing a character (either fictional or real), provide specific examples of behaviors and attitudes that demonstrate the traits associated with an "authoritarian personality".

Common error

Avoid reducing the discussion of "authoritarian personality" to mere accusations of stupidity or malice. The concept is more nuanced and involves complex psychological factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authoritarian personality" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific psychological construct. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "authoritarian personality" is a well-established term in psychology and sociology, used to describe individuals exhibiting traits such as strong adherence to authority, prejudice, and rigidity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science sources, the term is generally used in a neutral register, suitable for academic discussions and informed commentary. While the term itself is relatively formal, the underlying concept can be applied across a range of situations. When using the phrase, it's crucial to provide specific examples and avoid oversimplification, recognizing the complex psychological factors involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authoritarian character

Focuses on character traits rather than a defined personality type.

authoritarian disposition

Emphasizes an inherent tendency towards authoritarianism.

domineering personality

Highlights the aspect of dominance in the personality.

controlling personality

Stresses the control-oriented nature of the personality.

autocratic personality

Emphasizes the autocratic tendencies within the personality.

despotic temperament

Shifts focus to temperament, implying inherent dictatorial tendencies.

tyrannical nature

Highlights the tyrannical aspects of a person's fundamental qualities.

dictatorial tendencies

Focuses on inclinations rather than a fully formed personality.

authoritarian mindset

Highlights the cognitive aspect linked to authoritarianism.

rigid personality

Focuses on the inflexibility and rigidity associated with such a personality.

FAQs

How is the term "authoritarian personality" used in psychology?

In psychology, "authoritarian personality" describes a personality type characterized by a strong belief in obedience to authority, prejudice, and rigid adherence to conventional values. It is often associated with right-wing political views and a tendency towards conformity.

What are some characteristics of an "authoritarian personality"?

Common characteristics include a high degree of conventionalism, submission to authority figures, aggression towards those perceived as different or weaker, and a rigid adherence to rules and social hierarchies.

What is the origin of the term "authoritarian personality"?

The term originated from the work of Theodor Adorno and his colleagues in the 1940s, who sought to understand the psychological roots of fascism and prejudice. Their research led to the development of the F-scale, a questionnaire designed to measure authoritarian tendencies.

What are some alternative ways to describe someone with an "authoritarian personality"?

Depending on the context, you might use terms like "domineering personality", "controlling personality", or "rigid personality". The best choice depends on the specific aspects you want to emphasize.