Destructiveness in Contemporary Authoritarianism. Authoritarian Syndromes Revisited in the Context of Digital Media

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Vera King; Professor Dr. Ferdinand Sutterlüty
• Subject Area: Sociological Theory
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 516995250

The aim of the project is to propose an empirically substantiated theory of contemporary forms of authoritarianism marked by destructiveness. We believe that there are three reasons for undertaking an accurate reappraisal of authoritarian syndromes in the context of the digital media. First, we plan to re-determine the genesis and the features of these syndromes against the background of the fact that the classical three-pronged constitution of authoritarianism – self-subjection, aggressiveness, conventionalism – has changed its shape. In the relevant political milieus and movements in Germany, that form the empirical basis of the project, societal authorities are attacked and self-subjection ascribed more often to opposing forces. Politically and socially, destructiveness now plays a key role; socio-psychological investigation of the factors and dynamics involved in this development are one of the crucial objectives of the project. Second, over and against earlier studies, it is necessary to pay closer attention to the media conditions, particularly the digital media with their specific communication forms, selection mechanisms and affective spirals. To this end, we are planning exemplary investigations of the way in which elements of the new authoritarianism and of destructive dynamics are conveyed via the media, both in content and form, the functions performed by digital media in life- and crisis-situations, and how they function as catalysts for authoritarianism. Third, more sophisticated conceptualisation is essential in relation both to classical and to more recent approaches to the problem of authoritarianism. The approach described here is rooted in sociological social psychology and also draws upon psychoanalytic perspectives. It proceeds on the conviction that, while biographical and socialisational dimensions do indeed have an effect, they are bound up in complex interactions with social and media conditions that need to be examined more closely. There is no reason to assume simple analogies between social conditions on the one hand and the complexion of familial relations on the other. Equally unlikely are continuity in authoritarian parent-child relations or one-dimensional effects stemming from psychic dispositions. What we need is a theoretical and methodical re-conception of the (still controversial) relation between disposition, socialisation and societal contexts in the light of the way the digital media are used. In practical research terms, the project will draw upon the empirically saturated theory formation characteristic of Grounded Theory methodology both to analyse narrative interviews with persons from the relevant contexts and forums and also to conduct an online-ethnographic part-study. The project is geared to theory formation, its innovative features lie in the focus on destructiveness as a powerful element of authoritarianism and in the way in which the various levels of investigation are linked with one another.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants