Personality Cult or a Mere Matter of Popularity?

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Political Science
• Sociology

Background:

• The term "personality cult" is frequently overused in media, applied to diverse phenomena.
• Existing definitions lack clarity, leading to conceptual inflation and imprecise analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a theoretical model for distinguishing personality cults from mere popularity.
• To provide a framework for analyzing political figures based on specific criteria.

Main Methods:

• Developed a model based on Max Weber's concept of charismatic authority.
• The model incorporates three parameters: widespread symbolic elevation, resilience, and religious parallels.
• Utilized a representational and social practice dimension to assess phenomena.

Main Results:

• The model distinguishes between personality cults and mere popularity.
• Analysis of political figures (Trump, Putin, Ardern) revealed that only Trump and Putin exhibit cult characteristics across both dimensions.
• Popular politicians like Ardern show cult-like tendencies in representation but lack the social practice dimension.

Conclusions:

• A true personality cult requires both representational and social practice dimensions.
• Popular politicians are better understood as celebrities, lacking the authority and power inherent in cult leaders.
• Political admiration exists on a continuum from popularity to a full-blown personality cult.