The relationship between the psyche, social conditions, and authoritarianism has been a major focus in research. Early studies by the Frankfurt School linked authoritarian behavior to internal conflicts, social pressures, and personality traits like submission to authority and rigid thinking. However, this view may overlook how social structures shape emotions like pride, envy, and shame. Current research ties authoritarianism to social dislocation, fear, and instability, highlighting how early childhood experiences influence emotional well-being and authoritarian tendencies. These findings suggest the need to consider socio-structural and other affective-relational factors in understanding authoritarianism.
Erich Fromm’s theory emphasizes that deficiencies in belonging and healthy social attachment contribute to authoritarian tendencies, offering a deeper look at the interplay between individual psychology and social dynamics. By applying a Frommian perspective, we can reexamine the complex interplay between individual psychology, societal dynamics, and social bonds inherent in authoritarianism and far-right dynamics and ideologies that are situated in contemporary socio-hierarchial, capitalist societies.
The workshop is aimed at early career researchers in political science, social sciences, and philosophy who are interested in the connection of Erich Fromm's thought to other theorists. We would like to investigate the contemporary value of Fromm’s work mainly in the following areas: Social Attachment as Habitus, Marketing Orientation and Social Narcissism, Nonsexual Sadomasochism as the Root of Authoritarian Attachment Dynamics, and Authoritarian Attachment as Socio-Affective Assemblage. More detailed information on the call can be found in the pdf-document.