My first caveat is that I've not yet finished reading Dr. Stenner's book. The reason I'm writing this review now is to provide potential readers with information that may help in making the buy/no buy decision.
Many negative reviews result from a book not meeting the reader's expectations regarding "tone." Take, for instance, the "dummies" series. Simply by being part of the series, the reader can reasonably expect the book to have a certain tone--friendly, humorous, and straightforward. Other non-fiction books may be harder to guage. This one is very clearly academic in tone. As a fellow academic, my guess would be that Dr. Stenner has done what many PhD's do--"bookify" their dissertations. Dissertations, by definition have an academic tone. It would be pretty tough, IMO, to turn one into a "dummies" book.
Basically, what "The Authoritarian Dynamic" is attempting to do is to avoid the academic roadblocks (which she documents well) to explaining a relevant social dynamic--the basis of "fringe" (primarily on the right end of the political spectrum) attitudes and behaviors. Why do tea partiers, for example, think and behave as they do? (Since the book was published in 2005, long before the tea party movement gained momentum, she wouldn't be referencing them, but members are relatively representative of the dynamic she's trying to address.)
In short, if you're more interested in gaining insight into what is going on in the social and political sphere--especially the right side of it--and are not put off by a classical academic style, then this book may be for you. (I'm impressed by her scholarship after only one chapter.) If, on the other hand, the subject interests you but you prefer a lighter, friendlier treatment of it, may I recommend Dr. Bob Altemeyer's (available here or for free on the Internet) ebook, "
The Authoritarians
." While he makes little to no effort (as this ebook was his parting gift to his "fans,") to remain neutral on the subject he discusses (as Stenner does), it is easy reading and covers much of the same territory (although, I suspect, coming to somewhat different conclusions).
I hope this review helps you in making your choice. I also hope that by the time I finish reading the book, I don't regret my 5-stars!
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Aleksandr Leonardovitch
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 21, 2017Mary E.
Advance University thesis level
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2021