The Conversation About Trump Should Consider the Evolution of Men's Political Psychology

November 7, 2016

Dr. Chris von Rueden, assistant professor of leadership studies, considers the evolutionary history behind Donald Trump's appeal to voters.

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A better predictor of support for Trump is proneness to authoritarianism–a desire for and deference to dominant leadership. But why are certain individuals drawn to authoritarianism? And why the particular appeal of authoritarianism now? The appeal of Trump’s “broad-shouldered” leadership makes more sense when we consider our evolutionary history and the precariousness of manhood.

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