David's Blog

The Libertarian/Authoritarian Switch

Today I'm writing about a change that I've noticed that takes place in some people when they transition from a position of no authority or responsibility to a position of responsibility and authority.
The change I've noticed is that some people who are libertarian when they are under someone else's authority become more authoritarian when they are the authority. This also occasionally works in reverse where young authoritarians become libertarian when they come to power.

I'll start with two definitions. They're going to be my slightly reworked definitions for this entry, but they still fit within standard dictionary definitions.
Libertarian (n): Someone who advocates maximizing individual rights and minimizing the role of any/all authority.
Authoritarian (n): Someone who advocates obedience to authority. Also, someone who expects obedience to authority.
Both of these definitions are probably slightly more moderate than the definitions roaming our collective heads or our dictionaries, but I feel that it is rather rare that anyone is an absolute adherent to the vague, unclaimed personal doctrines that are often described in terms of absolutes.

I like to theorize about the observations that I make, so I have a thought about this set of observations too. The thought is this (in first person and in third person) --
If I have a deep respect for others I might show this at an early age by acting as an authoritarian. I will listen to my parents and the other authority figures in my life. I will also act as an authoritarian in my adult life when I am under the authority of employers, sports officiators, governments, etc. Later in life, when I become a parent, an employer, an officiator, or a government officer I will adopt more of a libertarian stance -- out of the same deep sense of respect for others. I will want to maximize the rights over those whom I have authority.
This person is the person that follows his parent's guidance without question, and then gives loving guidance with sufficient (for the child) explanation as a parent.
If I have a high sense of self and want to claim as many rights for myself as possible, I will act as a libertarian when I am a youth and under the authority of adults. I will also act as a libertarian as an adult if I am under the authority of employers and governments. However, my strong sense of self and desire to maximize my rights will cause me to deny my usual libertarian stance and opt for a more authoritarian stance when I become a parent, (and thus hold responsibility for my children) an employer, or other authority figure. This is because my desire for more rights, privileges, etc will win out, which will manifest itself in wanting/demanding that things under my authority act according to my wishes.
This person is the person who resists his parent's guidance whenever it is unwanted, and then gives orders that must be unquestionably followed as a parent later in life. (Think corporate ex-hippie who demands obedience from his chidren)
These people who switch from libertarianism to authoritarianism are not acting out of principle. Instead they claim a principle that matches their actions. Some even have the nerve to claim a moral high-ground as well.

These observations and thoughts of mine have impacted the way I see the world and people in it. Normally, I'm moderate so I am pretty indifferent to people who are either authoritarian or libertarian, but now that I've thought about it I think that I am fine with people who are consistently, but not overtly or extremely, authoritarian in both situations of life. I am also fine with people who are consistently, but not extremely, libertarian in both life situations. These people are obviously acting out of a principle that they feel strongly about and adhere to in all situations.
I have the most respect, however, for people who act as an authoritarian when they are under someone else's authority, and then change to act as a more of a libertarian when they hold authority over others. Of course, the converse is also true. I have little to no respect for someone who acts as a libertarian as a youth, employee, citizen, etc, and then takes on the role of the authoritarian when they come to power, thereby giving both libertarianism and authoritarianism a bad name.

Man, I really should have set up some abbreviations for the more oft-used terms
in this entry. Oh well, editing is for future David.

Posted by David at October 8, 2003 05:32 PM