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LARGE-GROUP IDENTITY, WHO ARE WE NOW? LEADER-FOLLOWER RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIETAL-POLITICAL DIVISIONS.
1Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22901, USA. omervamik@aol.com.
American Journal of Psychoanalysis
|May 10, 2019
Summary
This study examines how large group identities influence societal-political divisions and democratic interference globally. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for addressing authoritarianism and human rights concerns.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Political Science
- Sociology
Background:
- Societal-political divisions and interference with democratic processes are global concerns.
- Leader-follower dynamics play a role in these developments.
- The concept of "large group" identity is central to understanding collective behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore severe societal-political divisions and human rights issues worldwide.
- To examine the role of leader-follower relationships in these phenomena.
- To analyze the evolution of authoritarian regimes and extreme politics.
Main Methods:
- Describing the formation of large group membership in children.
- Examining the development of second large group identities in adults.
- Analyzing the spread of collective identity questions and related political trends.
Main Results:
- Large group dynamics contribute to societal-political divisions.
- Leader-follower relationships are implicated in democratic interference.
- The study provides background for understanding contemporary authoritarianism.
Conclusions:
- Understanding large group identity formation is key to addressing global political challenges.
- The research sheds light on the evolution of authoritarianism and right-wing politics.
- Addressing societal divisions requires examining collective identity and leadership.
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