What are the characteristics of an authoritarian personality?

The characteristics of an authoritarian personality are best captured by the description of having a rigid superego, a primitive id, and a weak ego. This personality structure suggests that individuals with an authoritarian personality often adhere strictly to conventional values and norms, stemming from a sense of order and control anchored in a harsh and disciplined upbringing.

A rigid superego indicates that these individuals have strict moral standards and an unyielding sense of right and wrong, which can lead to an intolerance for deviation from these norms. The primitive id refers to the fundamental desires and instincts that, when unchecked by a strong ego, can manifest in aggressive or domineering behaviors. A weak ego implies an inability to balance these primal urges with the realities of life, which can result in an overly simplistic or black-and-white understanding of the world, leaning towards authoritarianism.

In contrast, other characteristics described in the incorrect answers—such as flexibility in thinking, strong social connections, empathy, creativity, and openness—do not align with the traits associated with authoritarian personality types, which are characterized by rigidity, control, and often a lack of empathy towards those who do not conform to their established norms. This reinforces the idea that authoritarian personalities tend to eschew flexibility and open-mindedness in