On the Correlation Between Right-Wing Authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation

Abstract In 4 studies, we analyzed the correlation between right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO). In the 1st study, we meta-analyzed the research studies published on the correlation between RWA and SDO. In the other 3—2 with political militant samples and 1 with a student sample—we analyzed this relationship in Italy. The correlation between RWA and SDO was greater in countries characterized by strong, rather than weak, ideological contrasts and, only in countries with strong ideological contrast, greater in adult, rather than student, samples. In Italy, the correlation between RWA and SDO was strong, positive, and stable in the student sample. However, in our militant samples 3 different patterns of correlations were found: (a) positive, (b) nearly zero, and (c) negative. The subsamples in which the correlation was negative were made up of rightist militants with a relatively avoidant and not secure attachment style. Limits and future developments of this research are discussed.