270064 Authoritarianism, social dominance and system justification (S) (WiSe 2012/2013)

The seminar deals with three theories of intergroup conflict: the authoritarian personality and current approaches to research on authoritarianism, social dominance theory and system justification theory. Every theory is addressed in their basic assumptions, main findings and current applications, specially in everyday situations.
Authoritarianism is discussed specially in terms of its conceptual status (individual vs. group level; socialization vs. dispositions; attitude vs. trait), transmission, and positive and negative consequences for individuals and groups.
Social dominance theory is presented and critically revised emphasizing its evolutionary assumptions and multilevel nature. A focus is given to the problem of institutional discrimination.
Discussion on system justification theory includes its socio-cognitive bases, the link between social structure, status and ideological formation, and specially the problem of inconsistency between levels of justification motives (self, group and system).
Finally, approaches that look for integrating these theories will be also presented (e.g. Duckitt's dual-process model of ideological attitudes).

Requirements for participation, required level

Every activity of the seminar (lectures, students' presentation, discussions, readings and writing essays) will be in English
Basic knowledge on research methods and social psychology is recommended.

Bibliography

Altemeyer, R. A. (1981). Right-wing authoritarianism. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: University of Manitoba Press.

Duckitt, J., Bizumic, B., Krauss, S. W., & Heled, E. (2010). A Tripartite Approach to Right-Wing Authoritarianism: The Authoritarianism-Conservatism-Traditionalism Model. Political Psychology, 31(5), 685-715. doi:10.1111/j.1467-9221.2010.00781.x

Duckitt, J., Wagner, C., du Plessis, I., & Birum, I. (2002). The psychological bases of ideology and prejudice: Testing a dual process model. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(1), 75–93. doi:10.1037//0022-3514.83.1.75

Jost, J. T., & Banaji, M. R. (1994). The role of stereotyping in system-justification and the production of false consciousness. British Journal of Social Psychology, 33, 1-27.

Kay, A. C., Jost, J. T., Mandisodza, A. N., Sherman, S. J., & Johnson, A. L. (2007). Panglossian ideology in the service of system justification: How complementary stereotypes help us to rationalize inequality. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 39, 305-358.

Kteily, N., Ho, A. K., & Sidanius, J. (2011). Hierarchy in the mind: The predictive power of Social Dominance Orientation across social contexts and domains. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(2), 543-549. doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2011.11.007

Pratto, F., Sidanius, J., & Levin, S. (2006). Social dominance theory and the dynamics of intergroup relations: Taking stock and looking forward. European Review of. European Review of Social Psychology, 17, 271-320.