Observational analysis links subjective class identity to authoritarian preferences in individuals, suggesting inequality impacts political attitudes.
Key Points
Individuals at the lower and upper ends of the class spectrum show greater support for strongman leadership, implying economic discontent and status concerns.
Those identifying as middle class are significantly less likely to favor strongman leaders, with a notable asymmetry in political preferences based on social standing.
Analysis uses World Values Survey data from 1994-2022 to examine the impact of perceived socio-economic position on political attitudes toward leadership.
Recognizing subjective class perceptions may help understand the dynamics of democratic resilience and the political implications of inequality.