Authoritarianism is a characteristic of a person that reflects his strong desire for the maximum subordination of other individuals to his influence. Authoritarianism is synonymous with such concepts as totalitarianism, authoritarianism, totalitarianism, antidemocratism. In the behavior of an individual, this socio-psychological characteristic is expressed in the desire to achieve one’s own, to dominate in a group, to occupy the highest position, in the tendency to manipulate others, to achieve goals, but not so much thanks to one’s own merits, but with the help of other people and the advantage of one’s role position.
Authoritarianism is quite clearly observed in the relationship between the leader and his followers. It is expressed in the pressure of the manager on his subordinates, in the exclusion of colleagues or the team from participation in making important decisions. A leader with an authoritarian management style controls his employees too strictly; He checks privately how they cope with the responsibilities given to them, what decisions they make when performing any task, and too rudely suppresses any initiatives of the group members, since he sees in this willfulness and even an encroachment on his personal authority in this group.
Authoritarianism is a characteristic of thinking that gives exaggeration and decisive importance to the opinions of certain authorities. Such thinking is characterized by the desire to concretize and strengthen the propositions put forward by finding and combining various sayings and quotes belonging to certain authorities. Also, these authorities become idols, ideals who never make mistakes and guarantee success to those who follow them.
Authoritarianism in psychology is a characteristic of a person, manifested in aggressiveness, increased self-esteem, a tendency to adhere to stereotypes, level of aspirations, and weak reflection.
Features of authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is characterized by behavioral signs: an inflated level of self-esteem, aggressiveness, a tendency to dictate, and a stereotypical line of behavior.
A term that characterizes strict control over the completion of all tasks and the suppression of any initiative that comes from subordinates.
Let us consider in more detail what authoritarianism means. The opposite of democracy is authoritarianism.
Authoritarianism is one of the types of political regime in which political power is exercised by a specific person (party, class, elite group) with the least participation of the people and which is characterized by command bureaucratic methods of managing society.
Authoritarianism is a political system in which political power is concentrated in the hands of one group (individual) or in one political institution. This system allows for controlled pluralism in political action and opinion. The population is not required to demonstrate loyalty to the persons who represented the authorities, but its participation in making the most important decisions regarding the life of society is excluded. Representatives of government bodies are merciless towards political real competitors.
Authoritarianism has a rich history, including ancient tyrannies, oligarchies and despotism, absolute monarchies, and so on.
Types and examples of authoritarian regimes
Various examples of an authoritarian regime were presented in his classification by German political scientist D. Berg-Schlosser. He identified several types of authoritarianism:
- Military and dictatorial regimes－ Egypt under G. Nasser, Libya under M. Gaddafi, Argentina under H. Peron or Chile during the time of A. Pinochet.
They can exist in three forms: as strictly one-party regimes, military juntas and dictatorial systems with a pronounced personal character of power. - Traditional regimes with oligarchic clans (typical of Latin American states).
- Authoritarianism dressed in a monarchical form (Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Nepal until 2007).
- Hegemonic type of new oligarchic circles (Tunisia, Cameroon).
- States of the former or current “socialist orientation”, which have their own egalitarian traditions (Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Venezuela, Algeria and others).
Berg-Schlosser argues that authoritarian states emerged in China and Mexico. The scientist classifies them as neo-authoritarian regimes.
They are characterized by the presence of opposition forces, the holding of elections and the presence of rights and freedoms of citizens. However, these pseudo-democratic signs are of a formal nature, with strict controls applied to citizens and the media.
Nationalist authoritarianism has formed in a number of Central Asian countries (Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan).
It is distinguished by the dominant position in the ruling elite of representatives of one ethnic group, which monopolizes the right to power. This situation leads to the creation of a pronounced system of preferences (what is this?) for one nationality, which automatically classifies other ethnic groups (what is this?) as opposition.
In a corporate authoritarian regime, positions of power are occupied by oligarchs, as well as shadow or bureaucratic forces that combine political power and property.
This combination creates a situation in which political decisions are made in the interests of a narrow ruling elite, which uses power to achieve its own goals, which are far from the aspirations of society.
Iran is an example of theocratic authoritarianism. The supreme leader of the country is a spiritual leader elected for life.
He has a higher status than the president and stands above all branches of government. In accordance with the principle of “velayat-e faqih” put forward by the founder of the Islamic Republic, R. Khomeini, the last word in making political decisions should always remain with the clergy.
More information about the various forms of modern authoritarianism can be found here:
Essential features of authoritarianism
- partial or complete ban on opposition activities;
- monopoly of government power by one party or group;
- co-optation and inheritance as the main methods of forming governing bodies;
- rigidly centralized power structure;
- exclusion of the possibility of citizens participating in the management of society;
- use to maintain the power of law enforcement agencies.
Authoritarianism or its elements are widespread in modern societies. The transition from it to democratic forms of government is not always successful. The reasons for its reproduction include:
- preservation of the patriarchal type of political culture;
- maintaining the population's orientation towards traditional authorities and forms of social life;
- economic backwardness;
- significant influence of religious norms on the political orientation of the population;
- high degree of conflict in developing societies.
Depending on the nature of the existing political force within the authoritarian boundaries, oligarchic, military, bureaucratic and religious regimes are distinguished.
In existing Western political science, the concept of “semi-democracy” or “new democracy” is introduced. This is how transitional regimes from military dictatorships and post-communist regimes are qualified. It is believed that authoritarian and democratic tendencies under such a regime coexist with each other and have a stable basis.
Authoritarianism and totalitarianism
Authoritarian and totalitarian regimes are considered non-democratic, but there are significant differences between them, primarily related to the nature and degree of control over society.
Authoritarianism is a form of dictatorship of a leader or group, and totalitarianism is a dictatorship of the state.
If a totalitarian regime establishes complete dominance, then an authoritarian regime allows for relaxation in many areas, establishing special guardianship only over politics.
A striking example is China. The monopoly right to power on the part of the CCP is not disputed by anyone, but this does not in any way impede the development of market relations and the presence of certain freedoms in the social sphere.
Authoritarianism is a regime that allows for things that cannot exist under totalitarianism.
The presence of several ideologies, media, freedom of conscience, private enterprise and other signs of democracy is quite acceptable here. Although there is no need to talk about their full development.
This regime allows for a certain amount of personal autonomy. He does not pretend to enslave her spiritual world or establish total control over consciousness. At the same time, diversity of opinions is often not accepted in political matters.
Authoritarianism and totalitarianism are formed by non-democratic methods and allow the concentration of power in a limited circle of people, excluding or severely limiting control over them by society.
Authoritarian personality
Let's look at how age affects authoritarianism. Authoritarian parents tend to show little love of their own and “seem to be a little distant from their children.” Parents give orders and instructions without paying attention to the children's opinions and without recognizing the possibility of compromise. In such families, following traditions, obedience, and respect are highly valued. The rules are not discussed. They believe that parents are always right, and disobedience is punished - often physically. But parents still “do not cross the line and do not reach the point of cruel treatment and beating.” Parents limit the child’s independence and do not consider it necessary to somehow justify their demands, accompanying them with severe prohibitions, strict control, physical punishment and reprimands. Since children constantly obey their parents in order to avoid punishment, they become lack of initiative. Authoritarian parents also expect more maturity from their children than is expected for their age. The activity of children is very low, since the approach to education is focused on the needs of the parent.
This style of parenting leads to a number of deficiencies in the child's development. During adolescence, parental authoritarianism causes hostility and conflict. The strongest, most active ones leave their parents' home as soon as they can afford it. Unconfident, timid, teenagers learn to obey their parents in everything, without making any attempt to decide anything on their own. Such children in adolescence, when the influence of peers on their behavior is greatest, are more easily susceptible to bad influence on their part; they get used to not discussing their problems with their parents (why bother when you’re always wrong anyway or don’t pay any attention to you?) and often fall under the strong influence of their peers. Being disappointed in their own expectations, they move away from their parents and often rebel against their principles and values.
Method results
Alas, the authoritarian method of education always has negative consequences, sometimes quite severe. A child who lives and grows up in fear is deprived of the joys of childhood and is unlikely to become a happy, healthy and fulfilling person in the future.
As a child, he experiences awe and fear of his parents, but by adolescence the situation changes, and fear is transformed into hatred, aggression, and withdrawal. Constant and quite strong conflicts arise, the teenager becomes uncontrollable, dreams of leaving home as soon as possible.
Often, authoritarianism in the family leads to the child becoming despotic and cruel. He takes out his pain, grievances and fears on the weaker. He can mock animals, offend children at school, and become a hooligan.
A child raised in an authoritarian regime does not know what compromises or peaceful resolution of conflicts are, does not know true friendship, is not inclined to love others, and does not know pity (because he did not receive this in the family). Such a child is convinced that the one who is stronger is right, he gets everything by brute force, behaves cynically, rudely and cruelly.
Another scenario is the development of a weak personality. The child does not have his own desires, does not feel the right to get what he wants, he is lacking initiative and only knows how to follow orders. This person is deprived of his own will, he has extremely low self-esteem and lacks self-esteem, he considers himself weaker than others. Of course, such a person will not be able to achieve real development, success and prosperity in life.
Parental authoritarianism
Authoritarian parents (authoritarian parenting style) (in the terminology of other authors - “dictate”, “dominance”, “autocratic”).
The dictatorial (authoritarian) style of parenting lacks warmth, it is characterized by strict discipline, parent-child communication prevails over child-parent communication, and the expectations of these parents for their children are high. All decisions are made by parents, who believe that the child should obey their authority and will in everything.
Summary
Extremes are dangerous in everything, and it is worth considering that any approach has both disadvantages and advantages. Authoritarianism in work, education, marriage can be caused by good intentions, the desire to achieve great goals, but can lead to disastrous consequences.
We educate and lead as we see fit, but it is always worth learning, studying available and successful methods and not forgetting to follow the example of successful people - leaders, parents, wives, husbands who have achieved success and happiness. Look for a middle ground, listen to the opinions of others, not forgetting your own opinion, be able to make decisions and take responsibility, but do not forget to listen to the advice of those who can be useful.
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The art of communication, leadership, education is a complex art. But it can be comprehended without limiting oneself to boundaries and without accepting any methods as the final truth. After all, the goal of education is to raise a harmonious, happy and successful personality, and such a personality will not be formed in an atmosphere of fear and pressure. It’s the same in the business sphere: no brilliant ideas will appear and no rapid success will await the enterprise if fear and negativity reign in the team. Author: Vasilina Serova
Authority and authoritarianism in raising a child
The level of violence among boys from these families is highest. They are not confident in their own success, are less persistent and less balanced in achieving their goals, and have low self-esteem. In addition, there is an inverse relationship between good academic performance and such authoritarianism. Other studies show that these children lack social adaptation, and they rarely initiate any activity: “They are not inquisitive enough, cannot act spontaneously and usually rely on the opinions of superiors or elders.”
In children with such upbringing, only a mechanism of external control is formed, which is based on a feeling of fear or guilt before punishment, and as soon as the threat from outside punishment disappears, the teenager’s behavior can become antisocial. Authoritarian relationships exclude spiritual closeness with children, therefore, a feeling of attachment rarely appears between them and their parents, which leads to suspicion, wariness and even hostility towards others.
The fact that many people in the past in Germany followed Hitler was attributed to their being raised under an authoritarian regime that demanded unquestioning obedience from them. Thus, the parents “created, as it were, conditions” for Hitler.
Teacher's authoritarianism
With an authoritarian style of communication, the teacher alone decides all issues that relate to the life of both the class team and students individually. Taking into account his own attitudes, he determines the goals and position of interaction, and subjectively evaluates the results of activities. In its most pronounced form, this style is manifested in an autocratic approach to education, when students do not take part in the discussion of problems that are directly related to them, and their initiative is negatively assessed and rejected. The authoritarian style of communication is controlled using guardianship and dictatorship tactics. The resistance of schoolchildren to the authoritative pressure of the teacher often causes the emergence of stable conflict situations.
Research shows that teachers who adhere to this style of communication do not give students the opportunity to show initiative and independence. They are distinguished by the inadequacy of assessments, which are based only on indicators of academic performance, and a lack of understanding of children. An authoritarian teacher focuses attention on the student’s negative actions, but does not take into account his motives. External indicators of the success of authoritarian teachers (discipline in the classroom, academic performance, and so on) are often positive, but in such classes the socio-psychological atmosphere is usually unfavorable. The role position of these teachers is objective. The individuality and personality of the student are outside the interaction strategy. Mutual positive personalization of the student and the teacher in this regard turns out to be unlikely.
The authoritarian style of communication, according to N.F. Maslova, causes inadequate self-esteem in students, creates neurotics, instills a cult of power, and causes an inadequate level of aspirations in communicating with other people. In addition, the dominance of authoritarian methods in communicating with students causes a distorted understanding of values, a high assessment of personal qualities, such as “the ability to get away with it,” “the ability to exploit others to do what one must do,” “the ability to force others to obey unquestioningly.” ”, “physical strength and visual attractiveness” and so on.
We tried to give the most complete definition and concept of the term authoritarianism, to reveal its features and reasons. Leave your comments or additions to the material.
In business
Most often, authoritarianism manifests itself precisely as a type of management. Such a leader is characterized by rigidity, the desire for absolute discipline, absolute control. Authoritarian leadership does not involve discussing problems with the team, collective decision-making, voting, brainstorming, listening to other people's ideas or, especially, advice. Such a leader makes decisions exclusively on his own, based on his personal judgments, he has a clear set of ideas and opinions, and he is not inclined to flexibility.
An authoritarian leader takes all decisions upon himself, without giving his subordinates the opportunity to speak out or prove themselves. Working conditions, methods and laws are dictated solely by the manager, and this is not discussed.
Severe pressure and coercion are often used; the leader is not inclined to make concessions; there are no force majeure or family circumstances for him. He is not interested in the personal problems of his subordinates, and an employee who is late for work for a serious personal reason (for example, due to the illness of a loved one) will be punished without the opportunity to explain the reason.
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This type of leadership has its pros and cons. Moreover, there are quite a lot of advantages, and a conscious leader, competently applying an authoritarian management style at the right stage, will be able to achieve excellent results.
This type of management can be successfully used at the initial stage, when the team (enterprise, firm) is just being formed. With the help of this leadership style, it is possible to formulate clear goals for employees, give them an understanding of the structure and form of work, its style, outline the scope of work responsibilities, and establish discipline.
At the initial stage, this leadership style will help the boss to form and establish his own authority, strengthen it, demonstrate his leadership qualities, and demonstrate the ability to achieve goals. This type of leadership is good in terms of discipline; it really helps to achieve goals, beat competitors, and develop rapidly.
The disadvantages of authoritarian management may not be obvious to the leader who prefers this style, but they are obvious to others. The lack of opportunity to express themselves and introduce their ideas completely destroys the initiative of employees, and a tense psycho-emotional atmosphere leads to apathy and reluctance of team members to work and achieve goals.
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This leads to “stagnation”, a lack of new ideas and methods, and staff turnover. Workers under such management become secretive, passive, they ingratiate themselves and hide shortcomings in their work, do not strive to do it at the proper level, but, fearing the wrath of their superiors, carefully cover up shortcomings. Of course, this leads to an inevitable decline in the quality of the team’s work.
