Why do we share political views on such unrelated topics?
In short: From jazz music to the death penalty, our opinions often cluster in ways that defy logic. Psychology suggests these aren't just random preferences; they are driven by deep-seated personality traits—specifically a fundamental fear of uncertainty and a biological resistance to complexity.
Research into political psychology reveals that while social class and upbringing shape our affiliations, underlying personality factors play a critical role. Professor Glenn D. Wilson identified a specific dimension of attitude characterized by a dislike of complexity and a resistance to change. This 'conservatism with a small c' explains why seemingly disconnected issues—such as attitudes toward evolution, fluoridation, jazz, or premarital sex—tend to cohere into a consistent psychological profile.
This clustering is often driven by what Wilson hypothesizes as an inborn fear of uncertainty. When individuals face complex systems or novel ideas, those with high levels of dogmatism and low tolerance for ambiguity may gravitate toward rigid conventionality. This connects back to pioneering work on the 'authoritarian personality' by Adorno et al in 1950. They identified traits like militarism, ethnocentrism, and blind obedience as hallmarks of individuals prone to fascism, suggesting that emotions often power political attitudes more than pure logic.
The study of these attitudes has faced significant controversy. While Adorno assumed authoritarianism was exclusively right-wing, H.J. Eysenck argued in 1954 that a similar 'toughmindedness' existed on the left as well. Using factor analysis, Eysenck distinguished between 'radicalism' (the traditional left-right axis) and 'toughmindedness' (a totalitarian style shared by both Marxists and Fascists). The tension over these findings was so intense that Eysenck was reportedly physically assaulted by representatives of both groups during his career.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Psychology of Politics - Professor Glenn D Wilson
- Also: The Psychology of Politics
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