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Rising Anomie Fuels Support for Authoritarian Leaders

6/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A revealing study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology uncovers a troubling connection: as feelings of societal breakdown, or "anomie," rise, so does support for authoritarianism. This sense of political powerlessness breeds uncertainty, making authoritarian leaders increasingly appealing to those seeking stability in chaotic times.

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Story summary

A revealing study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology uncovers a troubling connection: as feelings of societal breakdown, or "anomie," rise, so does support for authoritarianism. This sense of political powerlessness breeds uncertainty, making authoritarian leaders increasingly appealing to those seeking stability in chaotic times.