The Rightist Psyche: A Psychoanalytic Exploration of Ideology, Authority, and Identity

The rightist political ideology is often associated with traditionalism, individualism, nationalistic pride, and resistance to societal change. While the right encompasses a wide range of beliefs, one thing that unites rightist thought is a desire to preserve and defend established systems, hierarchies, and values. But what is it about these beliefs that draws individuals to the right, and what psychological dynamics are at play beneath these political leanings? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the psychoanalytic underpinnings of rightist ideology, examining how unconscious drives, emotional needs, and identity processes contribute to right-wing beliefs. Using psychoanalytic literature, we’ll explore how authority, fear, and the need for order shape the rightist psyche.

The Superego and the Desire for Order
From a psychoanalytic standpoint, political ideologies often reflect the internal dynamics of the psyche, especially the relationship between the id, ego, and superego. The superego, as Freud discusses in „The Ego and the Id“ (1923), represents the internalized moral standards and societal expectations that individuals use to regulate their behavior. Rightist ideologies, particularly those that emphasize law and order, hierarchy, and traditional values, can be understood as a manifestation of the superego at the societal level.

Right-wing beliefs often stress the importance of preserving traditional institutions—family, religion, nation—and maintaining social order. These values reflect an internalized ideal of structure and discipline. The rightist emphasis on authority, hierarchy, and preservation of social norms may be an unconscious response to a deep-seated need for stability, control, and predictability in a world that can feel chaotic and uncertain. From a Freudian perspective, the desire to uphold these established structures might reflect an overdeveloped superego, which is characterized by a strong internalization of societal norms and moral imperatives.

In „The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense“ (1936), Anna Freud explores how the superego functions as a regulatory force in the psyche. Individuals with a rigid or authoritarian superego often experience a heightened sense of moral superiority and a strong desire to impose order on both themselves and others. In this context, right-wing ideologies can be seen as a collective projection of an authoritarian superego—a desire to enforce strict rules and maintain traditional hierarchies. The rightist commitment to maintaining „law and order“ can thus be understood as a psychological defense against perceived threats to social stability and personal security.

The Fear of Change: Regression and Idealization of the Past
A recurring theme in rightist thought is the fear or rejection of societal change. Whether in response to social movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, or environmental reform, right-wing ideologies often position themselves as guardians of the status quo, resisting the perceived chaos or instability brought about by progressive reforms. This reactionary stance can be understood through the psychoanalytic concept of regression.

Regression, as described by Freud in „The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense“, occurs when an individual reverts to an earlier stage of psychological development in response to stress or anxiety. In the context of political ideology, right-wing beliefs can be seen as a form of regression to an idealized past—one that is imagined to be simpler, safer, and more orderly. The idealization of the past is a defense mechanism against the anxiety provoked by the complexities and uncertainties of modern life.

In „The Future of an Illusion“ (1927), Freud argues that religious and ideological systems often function as a way to cope with existential anxieties, offering comfort and a sense of certainty. For some rightists, the idealization of past traditions, religious values, and national identity may serve as a defense against the disorienting effects of rapid societal change. The rightist fixation on a „golden age“ of cultural or national purity may thus be an unconscious attempt to return to a time when life felt more predictable and secure.

Authoritarianism and the Fear of the „Other“
Another key psychological dynamic in right-wing ideologies is the authoritarian personality. In „The Authoritarian Personality“ (1950), Theodor Adorno and his colleagues describe how individuals with authoritarian tendencies tend to exhibit traits such as rigid thinking, obedience to authority, and hostility toward outsiders or „the other.“ Right-wing ideologies, particularly those with nationalist or xenophobic elements, often emphasize the need for strong leadership, the preservation of national identity, and the exclusion of perceived threats from outsiders.

From a psychoanalytic perspective, this fear of the „other“ can be understood through the lens of projection. In Freudian terms, projection occurs when an individual attributes their own undesirable feelings or impulses onto others. The right-wing tendency to view outsiders—whether immigrants, racial minorities, or political opponents—as threats to social cohesion may reflect an unconscious projection of internal fears or anxieties. The „other“ is often scapegoated as the source of societal instability, and by demonizing this group, individuals can externalize their own psychological discomfort with change and uncertainty.

In his work „Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego“ (1921), Freud explores how group dynamics influence individual behavior. He argues that individuals in groups often surrender their personal identities and conform to the group’s collective psyche, which can be dominated by authoritarian figures or ideologies. The rightist emphasis on national unity, strength, and loyalty to the group may reflect the unconscious desire for collective identity and the psychological need to align with a dominant, authoritarian group leader who provides security and direction.

The Rightist Search for the „True Self“: The Role of Identity
The formation of political beliefs is closely tied to the process of identity formation, which, according to psychoanalytic theory, is deeply influenced by both internal and external factors. For individuals with right-wing ideologies, political beliefs often become an integral part of their sense of self. The desire to maintain traditional values, uphold national pride, and resist societal change can be linked to the need to protect and affirm one’s identity.

Donald Winnicott’s concept of the „true self“ in „The Maturational Processes and the Facilitating Environment“ (1965) offers insight into how individuals navigate the balance between personal authenticity and external pressures. In right-wing ideologies, the strong identification with a particular set of values and social norms may reflect a need to assert the „true self“ in the face of what is perceived as a fragmented or unstable social environment. The ideological commitment to tradition and order may provide individuals with a sense of grounding, stability, and authenticity, allowing them to feel that they are part of something enduring and meaningful.

However, the rigid attachment to these ideals can also lead to an over-identification with external symbols of authority, such as the nation, the church, or the state. This identification with external symbols may create a false sense of security and belonging, which, according to Winnicott, can ultimately hinder the development of a more authentic and integrated sense of self. The rigid adherence to right-wing values may be, in some cases, a defense against deeper feelings of insecurity or inadequacy, as the individual seeks validation through conformity to an idealized external structure.

Conclusion: The Rightist Psyche in Crisis
Rightist ideologies, with their focus on order, authority, tradition, and resistance to change, offer a powerful lens through which to examine the complex relationship between identity, authority, and fear. Psychoanalytic theory helps illuminate how political beliefs are often rooted in unconscious desires for stability, security, and the preservation of established social structures. From the rigid superego that demands moral conformity to the regression toward an idealized past, right-wing beliefs can be understood as psychological defenses against the anxieties provoked by societal change and the fear of the „other.“

The authoritarian tendencies, projection of fear, and idealization of tradition in rightist ideologies are all expressions of deeper emotional and psychological needs. Whether driven by the need for order, the desire to protect personal identity, or the fear of the unknown, these beliefs reveal the complex interplay between unconscious drives and political action.

Key Works Cited:

Freud, Sigmund. „The Ego and the Id“. 1923.
Freud, Anna. „The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense“. 1936.
Freud, Sigmund. „Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego“ (1921).
Freud, Sigmund. „The Future of an Illusion“ (1927).
Adorno, Theodor W., et al. „The Authoritarian Personality“ (1950).
Winnicott, Donald. „The Maturational Processes and the Facilitating Environment“ (1965).