Simplistic thinking linked to rejecting democracy
Study finds strong link between simplistic thinking and rejecting democracy in 824 UK adults.
Why it matters
- Antidemocratic attitudes linked to broad psychological tendencies, not one ideology.
- Open-minded thinking crucial for supporting democracy.
- Findings explain global decline in democratic support.
By the numbers
- Survey of 824 UK adults.
- Simplistic thinking strongly linked to rejecting democracy.
The big picture
- Antidemocratic attitudes cross ideological lines.
- Psychological factors like simplistic thinking play key role.
- Promoting open-minded thinking could bolster democracy.
What they're saying
- Study authors note need for longitudinal research to understand causality.
Caveats
- Study is cross-sectional; cannot establish causality.
- Conducted in the UK; results may vary in other countries.
What’s next
- Researchers plan 1.5-year longitudinal study to explore causality.