Abstract

It is proposed that a two-dimensional structure better captures the Authoritarian trait. We argue that one-dimensional scales are not consistent with theoretical definitions of the Authoritarian personality as a syndrom including different personality characteristics. We hypothesize that the factors of "Order and Conventionalism" and "Destructivity-cynicism" may be identified as components of the Authoritarian personality, and that these factors may provide insightful predictions of relevant criteria. The adequacy of the two-dimensional structure is investigated in two studies, using a recent Authoritarianism measure. Hypotheses on the Adequacy, generalizabilty, and predictive ability of the two-dimensional structure are tested with a confermatory approach and by means of structural equation models. Results provide support for the adequacy and generalizability hypotheses, and evidence for interesting associations among "Order and Conventionalism", "Destructivity-cynicism", and criterion variables as political orientation, ethnocentrism, and religious practice. In the discussion, theoretical links among the proposed two-dimensional structure and contemporary models of authoritarianism are emphasized.