Definitions of Authoritarianism

The authoritarianism is a way of exercising power in an authoritarian manner. It is also understood as an abusive attitude of authority. This word is especially used to describe authoritarian government systems of a nation or country. It comes from the adjective ‘authoritarian’.

Examples of authoritarianism

Authoritarianism, understood as a form of authoritarian government, has occurred throughout the History of Humanity. Authoritarianism is one of the characteristics of dictatorial systems. A current example of authoritarianism may be the North Korean Government. In the context of social relations, a classic example of authoritarianism is the one that sometimes occurs in the family environment. Authoritarianism is considered to exist when parents act as an authority in a repressive manner, with strong norms and sometimes with violent control methods.

Characteristics of authoritarianism

In authoritarianism, in a generic way, a series of differentiating characteristics can be found. One of them is the existence of repressive norms or laws that restrict freedom. In many cases, these are arbitrary measures that do not respond to justice. The power is concentrated in a few people or groups and exercising power without giving rise to negotiations. Authoritarianism does not correspond to a single ideology, since it is a way of exercising power and authority.

Authoritarianism and democracy

A democracy or democratic system can lead to authoritarianism when, through media such as the army or legislation, power is exercised unilaterally and repressively without seeking social consensus. Some democratically elected leaders have exercised their power in an authoritarian or autocratic manner, establishing laws that corrupt the idea of ​​real and participatory democracy. This occurs especially when a party that obtains an absolute majority uses that advantage to make changes, for example, in the access to power system.