Political Correctness: Social-fiscal Liberalism and Left-wing Authoritarianism

Abstract

The issue of political correctness (PC) has recently garnered significant attention and created considerable controversy in North America. Nonetheless, the existence, history, purpose, and breadth of this ideology are disputed. This study assessed the conceptualization and measurement of the PC construct. A 203-item PC scale measuring language and beliefs was created on the basis of accounts from news articles, books, and research papers on the topic. 468 participants completed the PC scale along with questionnaires on personality, intelligence, and disgust sensitivity. Exploratory factor analysis determined the structure of PC, while relationships to individual differences, and convergent and divergent validity were assessed with correlational and regression analyses PC is best predicted by trait Agreeableness, and it is a social conservative and liberal construct. A 36-item PC scale was also derived. A comprehensive two-dimensional model of political belief is proposed, and the difference between right and left-wing authoritarianism discussed.