Social character

Matheus Romanetto and Kieran Durkin

Chapter 22 in Research Handbook on Critical Theory, 2026, pp 245-257 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The notion of social character was developed by Erich Fromm as a concept seeking to capture psychological and sociological aspects of social life. It builds on previous work in the psychoanalytical and sociological traditions. In this chapter, we will survey the genesis and applications of the concept, with reference to four different moments: (1) the work of Sigmund Freud and his followers on character, (2) the Freudo-Marxist syntheses of Wilhelm Reich and particularly Erich Fromm, (3) Fromm's theoretical development of the concept of social character, and (4) the application of social character theory in the form of Fromm's own research on character; the related but distinct study led by Adorno on the authoritarian personality; and the continuation and development of both bodies of research among contemporary followers of Fromm and Adorno.

Keywords: Social Character; Authoritarian Personality; Freudo-Marxism; Psychoanalysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781800373754
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