Articulating Economy, Ideology, and Culture to Explain the Authoritarian Backlash

The current boom in research on adherence to authoritarian and far-right politics worldwide is characterized by a scholarly divide. While economists and economic sociologists tend to view economic losses experienced by different social strata as the main factor explaining support for the far right, political scientists, anthropologists, and cultural sociologists tend to emphasize the importance of ideological and cultural motivations.

Building on interpretive and relational sociology, we assume that political choices are shaped by complex and contingent processes through which individuals and groups interpret personal and collective experiences, such as changes in the social structure or global threats. Accordingly, both structural changes and ideological and cultural repertoires are equally relevant for explaining support for the far right.

We also assume that understanding support for the far right requires a broad definition of social inequalities that encompasses economic, political, existential, and other forms of asymmetry affecting both individuals and social groups. These inequalities are often politically articulated through categories such as gender, race, class, religion, and others. This intersectional approach helps explain both apparently incoherent political choices (e.g., victims of racism voting for racist candidates, low-income groups supporting welfare cuts) and shifts in political preferences over time.

We warmly invite to submit both conceptual reflections and/or empirical case studies on the topic. Contributions focusing on the expansion of the far right and investigations into forms of resistance to the far-right backlash are equally welcome to this session.