The cult of personality was a major part of the propaganda machine operating in the totalitarian societies of the 20th century. But despite its central importance, to my knowledge there aren't many works interpreting this phenomenon from a sociological, anthropological, or historical perspective. Do you know any referential works on this topic? How can we sociologically make sense of this cultic practice focused on celebrating the leader's personality?
The Frankfurt School, Adorno, may not address this specifically but would their work on culture industry, pseudo individualism and the relationship to authoritarianism contribute to understanding this?
Maybe Adorno's theory of "authoritarian personality" can explain the psychological profile of those who accept the cult of personality, but as you say, Frankfurt School in general and Adorno in particular, do not address specifically the issue in question.
Have u tried Bertram Gross - friendly fascism. Re the last post I'm suggesting that while the F Scale is relevant the work on the culture industry is more so. Herbert Marcuse also. Would require some work making the links though, but the theory/ideas are there
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