Do we actually base our political choices on how we perceive a leader's personality? Scientific research suggests that this plays a significant role. But what type of leadership style do we find most appealing when deciding who should govern our society? The researcher's conclusions show that it depends on both our own political beliefs and our view of the world around us.
When uncertainty rises globally – as with conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, tensions between the USA and Iran, and terrorism threats – we tend to orient ourselves towards strong and dominant leadership personalities. Such a development brings significant consequences: we become more willing to overlook important democratic principles when they come from these "strong leaders", and male politicians gain a slight advantage in our preferences.
Lasse Laustsen from Aarhus University, who researches political psychology and voting behaviour, unfolds the mechanisms that drive our political choices at this lecture. He illuminates how our worldview shapes our desires for leadership, what implications it has for democracy, and which psychological processes influence our decisions at the ballot box.
Practical Information
- Organiser: Folkeuniversity, knowledge festival Hearts & Minds
- Location: Dokk1/Aarhus Main Library
- Admission: 50 DKK
