Adorno’s Authoritarian Personality Theory Explained (With Examples & Evaluation)
Why do some people blindly obey authority—even when it causes harm? This question fascinated post-WWII psychologists like Theodor Adorno, who developed the influential theory of the Authoritarian Personality.
In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics, examples, strengths, and criticisms of Adorno’s theory, and link it to key themes in AQA A-Level Psychology. You’ll also find a free downloadable worksheet to test your understanding at the end!
What Is the Authoritarian Personality?
The Authoritarian Personality is a dispositional explanation for obedience. Rather than looking at external situations, it focuses on internal personality traits that make someone more likely to obey authority figures without question.
This theory was proposed by Adorno et al. (1950) following the horrors of the Holocaust. He and his colleagues wanted to understand how ordinary people could commit such atrocities.
Authoritarian Personality Characteristics
According to Adorno, people with authoritarian personalities tend to:
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Show extreme respect for authority figures
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Be hostile toward those of lower status
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Think in rigid, black-and-white categories
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Value conformity and obedience
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Display prejudiced attitudes against out-groups
These characteristics are often linked to a harsh or strict upbringing — especially with strong discipline, conditional love, or fear of punishment.
How Did Adorno Measure It?
Adorno developed the F-scale (F = Fascism), a questionnaire designed to measure authoritarian traits.
Participants were asked to agree or disagree with statements like:
“Obedience and respect for authority are the most important virtues children should learn.”
Those who scored highly were assumed to have authoritarian personalities.
Evaluation of Adorno’s Theory
✅ Strengths
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Explains individual differences in obedience — not everyone conforms in the same way
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Inspired further research, such as Elms & Milgram (1966), who found a correlation between high obedience and high F-scale scores
Weaknesses
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Correlation ≠ causation — high F-scale scores don’t prove authoritarianism causes obedience
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The F-scale is biased — all items are worded in the same direction, encouraging agreement (acquiescence bias)
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Social context often overrides personality, as shown in Milgram’s original studies
Authoritarian Personality Examples in Psychology
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Participants in Milgram’s obedience study who gave the highest shocks were more likely to have authoritarian traits
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In real-world scenarios, individuals raised with authoritarian parenting styles may show more prejudice or conformity under pressure
Is Authoritarian Personality Linked to Prejudice?
Yes — one of the central arguments in Adorno’s theory is that authoritarian individuals are more likely to show prejudiced attitudes.
Their rigid thinking, tendency to categorise people, and belief in hierarchy often lead to discrimination against minorities or outsiders.
This connects the authoritarian personality not only to obedience but also to broader social issues like racism, sexism, and xenophobia.
Want to Revise This Topic?
We’ve created a free worksheet that helps students master this tricky sub-topic in an interactive, exam-ready format.
Includes:
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Key term sorting
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A 6-mark exam-style question
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PBWC evaluation activity
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Model answers via QR code
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Stretch task on issues and debates
Download the free revision worksheet here
Great for homework, cover lessons, or independent study.
Final Thoughts
Adorno’s authoritarian personality theory remains a powerful lens for understanding blind obedience and prejudice. While it has limitations, it offers a unique dispositional perspective that complements situational approaches like Milgram’s work.
Whether you're revising for exams or teaching Social Influence, understanding the authoritarian personality gives depth to your evaluation skills — and helps explain real-world behaviours.
Download the free worksheet now to put this knowledge into action.