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Authoritarianism in the 21st Century: A Proposal for Measuring Authoritarian Attitudes in Neoliberalism

Author

Listed:
  • Esmeralda Nicieza-Cueto

    (Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain)

  • María de la Villa Moral-Jiménez

    (Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, 33003 Oviedo, Spain)

Abstract

The continuous crises of the neoliberal system have led to an authoritarian turn, with authoritarianism acquiring a different dimension since the studies of Altemeyer in 1981. The aim of the present study is to elaborate a scale to measure authoritarianism adapted to the contemporary era, the Neoliberal Authoritarianism Scale , and to test its validity and reliability. 232 people between the ages of 18 and 81 ( X = 38.34; SD = 13.141) residing in Spain participated, consisting of 51.7% women and 38.8% men. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good fit of the four-factor model (χ 2 /df = 1.92; CFI = 0.993; TLI = 0.992; IFI = 0.993; GFI = 0.986; RMSEA = 0.041; SRMR = 0.063). The scale also showed an adequate internal consistency, with a global McDonald’s Omega of 0.893. Nevertheless, the Conventionalism factor needs to be improved ( ω = 0.621). This scale is a first preliminary approach to measuring neoliberal authoritarianism, which may help to better understand its scope and impact on people’s lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Esmeralda Nicieza-Cueto & María de la Villa Moral-Jiménez, 2025. "Authoritarianism in the 21st Century: A Proposal for Measuring Authoritarian Attitudes in Neoliberalism," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-23, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:7:p:431-:d:1700745
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