From Shame to Pride: How Different Emotional Perspectives can Affect the Political Spectrum

Author: Caitlin Dickhuth

Field of Study: Undeclared

Program Affiliation: Source Project Research Program

Faculty Mentors: Matthew Cole

Easel: 71

Timeslot: Afternoon

Abstract: With the recent surge of Right-wing parties across the globe, it is necessary to investigate the fundamental notions of their supporters for this phenomenon. This research examines whether fear, shame, anger, and ethnocentric pride in citizens elicits a range of support for far-right parties proceeding the socioeconomic shift in the 21st century. This project approaches the recurring patterns of authoritarian leaders taking advantage of how emotions function differently across the political spectrum. Drawing from historical analysis, this pattern is identified in cases like 20th century fascist dictatorships and contemporary far-right parties of France, Germany, and Spain. This paper argues that while fear may initially arise from perceived social and cultural threats, it is anger, often mediated by shame and identity insecurity, that more directly predicts support for far-right movements. Using a mixed interpretive approach, this study evaluates if this emotional “pipeline” constitutes a causal mechanism. In the greater picture, emotional conception, not just material insecurity, plays a critical role in far-right political mobilization as shown in the past and now.