Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Psychological theories may well explain Jewish antisemitism.Central to this understanding is the impact of stigma, which results in shame, together with low self-esteem and a need for approval.The propositions presented are based on (1) identification with the aggressor, feelings of shame, and low self-esteem, as described by Helen Lewis; (2) the effects of stigma on an oppressed social group; (3) self-hatred caused by shame resulting from thwarted positive feelings of Jewishness that cannot be expressed; (4) social psychology, especially Gordon Allport's theory on prejudice and Kurt Lewin's concept of marginal persons; (5) cognitive-motivational causes, with negative views and cognitive contradictions on how to view hatred towards Jews; (6) ideas on mistaken messianic and idealistic aspirations; (7) psychological and political factors; (8) the Social Identity Theory, which may partly explain the identity problems of antisemitic Jews.Computational approaches could be used to show such personality structures.
DOI: 10.26613/jca/7.3.169
Author: Bo N. Schenkman
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4406542853