1099-0992/asset/EJSP_left.gif?v=1&s=0215609e7ab2fd15b54f869b277d70d7b0a8a863)
1099-0992/asset/EJSP_right.gif?v=1&s=1c5cca2a6524c857bc9c4da19b1e5c17e68b47ca)
Research Article
When authoritarianism meets religion: Sacrificing others in the name of abstract deontology
Article first published online: 20 JUL 2011
DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.834
Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Additional Information
How to Cite
Van Pachterbeke, M., Freyer, C. and Saroglou, V. (2011), When authoritarianism meets religion: Sacrificing others in the name of abstract deontology. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol., 41: 898–903. doi: 10.1002/ejsp.834
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 NOV 2011
- Article first published online: 20 JUL 2011
- Manuscript Accepted: 8 JUN 2011
- Manuscript Revised: 7 JUN 2011
- Manuscript Received: 14 JAN 2011
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
Authoritarianism is a stable construct in terms of individual differences (social attitudes based on personality and values), but its manifestations and behavioral outcomes may depend on contextual factors. In the present experiment, we investigated whether authoritarianism is sensitive to religious influences in predicting rigid morality. Specifically, we investigated whether authoritarians, after supraliminal religious priming, would show, in hypothetical moral dilemmas, preference for impersonal societal norms even at the detriment of interpersonal, care-based prosociality toward proximal persons and acquaintances in need. The results confirmed the expectations, with a small effect size for the religious priming × authoritarianism interaction. In addition, these results were specific to participants' authoritarianism and not to their individual religiosity. The interaction between authoritarian dispositions and religious ideas may constitute a powerful combination leading to behaviors that are detrimental for the well-being and the life of others, even proximal people, in the name of abstract deontology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.