Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Authoritarian figures refer to individuals who possess significant power and control over others, often demanding strict obedience and enforcing rules through punishment.
Related terms
Power differential: The imbalance of power between authority figures and those under their control, which can contribute to extreme obedience.
Social dominance orientation: A psychological trait that reflects an individual's preference for social hierarchies and accepting the authority of dominant groups.
Authoritarian personality: A personality predisposition characterized by a desire for strong leadership, strict adherence to rules, and hostility towards those perceived as different or inferior.