Authoritarianism implies an excess in the exercise of authority.
Authoritarianism appears when an authority abuses its power . The concept also refers to the system or government regime that exceeds the exercise of its authority .
For example: “People are tired of the government's authoritarianism,” “If the president of the company continues to act authoritarianly, the workers will begin to rebel,” “Authoritarianism can be reversed with adherence to the Constitution and respect for values.” democratic."
Democracy and authoritarianism
It is important to mention that authoritarianism is a way of exercising authority that transcends the government system. A dictatorship will always be authoritarian since by its mere permanence in power it violates the laws and the popular will. A democratic government , however, can also exercise authoritarianism.
A democratic president who governs through decrees, uses the state media to criticize opponents, does not dialogue with journalists and represses social protests with the use of security forces is a leader who exercises his power with authoritarianism.
Those who act with authoritarianism do not respect the will of others or listen to their opinions.
Characteristics of this way of exercising authority
Let's look at some of the most outstanding characteristics of authoritarianism in government in a concise way:
* The people are forced to place all power in a leader, so that the government becomes one person. This figure usually has a special charisma that helps him gain the trust of people before taking the position he aspires to;
* There is usually no well-defined ideology, to which is added the suppression of all political parties. Authoritarianism responds to a series of individual interests or economic sectors that enjoy control and power, both economic and political;
* To stay in power, authoritarian governments usually promote terror, that is, act without limits to intimidate the people and block any attempt at protest or liberation;
* the army is very present in the daily life of an authoritarian government, both on public roads and in schools, hospitals and government buildings, always reminding citizens that it is not in their best interest to take a wrong step;
* One of the least direct forms of violence of authoritarianism is the manipulation of the media, which is used for political propaganda and the exaltation of the leader.
Authoritarianism in social ties
Beyond politics , authoritarianism can appear in social relationships carried out by individuals who are not in the same position in terms of power .
A person is authoritarian with his spouse and children when he makes all family decisions on his own, without listening to anyone. The owner of a company, for his part, exercises authoritarianism if he does not allow his employees to express themselves about working conditions or issues inherent to the operation of the company.
Negative effects
Authoritarianism always brings a series of negative sensations in those who must endure it, and among them are frustration and helplessness . When someone makes decisions that directly affect another person without giving them the opportunity to participate or give their opinion, the balance of freedom and justice is tipped unfavorably and, like any imbalance, it is only a matter of time before it leads to an pop.
Just as sooner or later people rise up against dictatorial governments to demand compliance with their rights, the removal of leaders and the beginning of an era of transparency and respect, something similar happens in private circles when someone is subjected to authoritarianism. . The anguish generated by submission and the humiliations that must be endured little by little feed a time bomb that, one day, can become a resource to achieve freedom .