The Psychology of Rigidity and Dogmatism – Milton Rokeach – 1960
The Psychology of Rigidity and Dogmatism
Milton Rokeach’s The Psychology of Rigidity and Dogmatism, first published in 1960, explores the psychological underpinnings of closed-mindedness, intolerance, and the resistance to new ideas. The work centers on the concept of ‘dogmatism’—defined not as mere stubbornness, but as a personality variable characterized by a high intolerance for ambiguity and a rigid adherence to personally held beliefs.
What the Book Explores
Rokeach meticulously details the development of the Dogmatism Scale, a tool designed to measure an individual’s degree of dogmatic adherence. He argues that dogmatism is a pervasive personality trait, not limited to specific political or religious ideologies. The book investigates how dogmatic individuals perceive information, how they respond to challenges to their beliefs, and the consequences of dogmatism for interpersonal relations and societal harmony. The author also differentiates between open-mindedness and closed-mindedness, and how these relate to cognitive complexity. Rokeach posits that dogmatism stems from a need for simplicity and a fear of the unknown, leading individuals to seek cognitive consistency and avoid dissonant information.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published during the height of the Cold War, this work arose from a cultural climate defined by ideological conflict and widespread anxiety. The book was, in part, a response to the social and political tensions of the era, and an attempt to understand the psychological factors contributing to prejudice and intergroup conflict. It appeared at a time when social psychology was increasingly focused on understanding attitude formation and change, and Rokeach’s work offered a nuanced framework for understanding why some individuals are so resistant to changing their beliefs, even in the face of compelling evidence. The book also resonated with broader concerns about conformity and obedience, themes explored in contemporary research such as Stanley Milgram’s experiments on authority.
Who This Book Is For
While originally aimed at an academic audience—psychologists, sociologists, and political scientists—the book is accessible to anyone interested in understanding the psychological roots of belief systems and the challenges of fostering tolerance and open-mindedness. It remains relevant for those studying social psychology, political psychology, and the dynamics of prejudice and discrimination. It offers insight into the human tendency to seek confirmation of existing beliefs, a phenomenon increasingly relevant in contemporary discussions about filter bubbles and misinformation.
Further Reading
- Authoritarian Personality by Theodor W. Adorno et al. (1950): A foundational work exploring the psychological characteristics of authoritarian individuals.
- The True Believer by Eric Hoffer (1951): An exploration of the psychological appeal of mass movements and fanaticism.
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (2011): Discusses the cognitive biases that influence decision-making and belief formation.
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