Collective Narcissism and its Underpinning of Conservativism and Regressiveness

 

Collective narcissism plays a significant role in the foundations of conservatism and regressive mentalities in society. To understand this, we need to explore how collective narcissism interacts with the psychological and social dynamics of conservative and regressive ideologies, and how it shapes their attitudes toward social change, group identity, and societal progress.

What is Collective Narcissism?

To recap, collective narcissism is the belief that one's group (such as a nation, ethnicity, religion, or cultural group) is superior to others and deserving of special admiration or entitlement. This form of narcissism goes beyond the individual level to encompass a whole group, and it thrives on external validation. The group seeks constant affirmation of its superiority, and any threat to that self-image—whether from cultural, political, or social forces—is viewed as a direct attack.

Conservatism and Regressive Mentality Defined

• Conservatism generally refers to a political and cultural philosophy that emphasizes the importance of tradition, social order, and maintaining established institutions. Conservative ideologies often resist rapid or radical social change and advocate for preserving what is seen as the tried-and-true aspects of society.

• Regressive mentality involves a resistance to social progress or the move toward more inclusive, egalitarian, or liberal norms. It is often characterized by a longing for a "return" to an idealized past—usually a time when societal hierarchies were clearer, and certain groups (e.g., men, a specific race, or a dominant religion) had more power and privilege.

How Collective Narcissism Underpins Conservatism and Regressiveness

1. A Desire for Social Order and Superiority

• Conservatism and Collective Narcissism: One of the core tenets of conservatism is a desire to preserve existing social structures and hierarchies, often rooted in cultural or national identity. For individuals or groups with collective narcissistic tendencies, these structures are seen as embodying the superiority and moral correctness of their group. Collective narcissists are deeply invested in maintaining these structures because they affirm the group’s sense of exceptionalism.

  For example, a nationalist or patriotic conservative might believe that their country’s culture, history, or values are inherently superior to others. This belief can lead them to view social changes—such as immigration, multiculturalism, or shifts in gender norms—as direct threats to the status and purity of the group. The conservative desire to protect traditional values (e.g., family structures, national heritage, religious beliefs) can be fueled by a narcissistic need to preserve the group's elevated status and dominance in society.

2. Resistance to Change as Defense of Identity

• Regressiveness and Collective Narcissism: Regressive mentalities are often driven by the belief that modern society has become morally or socially degenerate, and that a return to past values or norms is necessary to restore the group’s rightful position. This yearning for the past often arises from a perceived loss of status or privilege, which is amplified by collective narcissism.

  For example, older generations or those from more traditional groups may view the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality, or gender equality as a threat to their status. They might argue that these movements undermine the moral foundation of society, or erode the cultural values that once made their group dominant. The idea of returning to a more "traditional" era serves as a defense mechanism to protect a group’s perceived superiority, which is under attack from social progress.

  This backward-looking perspective, driven by collective narcissism, distorts the past into an idealized time when the group’s dominance was unquestioned, and society was structured to reflect its values and identity. As a result, regressive mentalities are often anti-progressive, rejecting reforms or social advancements that challenge the group’s existing power.

3. Us vs. Them Mentality and Group Cohesion

• Conservative and Regressive Politics: Both conservatism and regressive ideologies often employ an us vs. them mentality, which is a hallmark of collective narcissism. This mentality divides society into those who belong to the "superior" group (the ingroup) and those who do not (the outgroup).

  • Ingroup Superiority: In conservative or regressive groups, this mentality often manifests in xenophobia, racism, sexism, and other forms of exclusion. Members of the ingroup believe that their way of life, values, and culture are superior to others, and they are inclined to protect the group from perceived outside threats. For example, a conservative nationalist group might view immigrants, refugees, or minority communities as threats to the national identity and social order they cherish.
  • Outgroup Devaluation: The outgroup (e.g., liberals, progressives, or people from different cultures or backgrounds) is often portrayed as weak, degenerate, or dangerous. This creates a social and political climate in which cross-group understanding is difficult, and cooperation is even more challenging. Those who push for progress (e.g., civil rights activists, environmentalists) are often demonized as enemies of the group’s "traditions" or "values."

  This dynamic fosters deep social polarization and conflict. The more entrenched the collective narcissism, the more rigid and hostile the divide between groups becomes.

4. Idealization of a "Golden Age"

• Conservative Nostalgia and Regressive Mentality: A critical feature of collective narcissism is the idealization of a golden age, which can be a key motivator for regressive politics. Collective narcissists often long for a time when their group was unchallenged in its dominance—whether that means a time before immigration, a return to traditional gender roles, or a revival of "patriotic" values.

  For example, conservative ideologies often promote the idea that society has deteriorated due to liberal social changes. This could involve the idea that family structures have weakened, morality has declined, or the nation's cultural identity is being lost to globalization or immigration. These views are often underpinned by nostalgia for an idealized past, whether it is a return to traditional religious values, a patriarchal family structure, or a homogenous national identity. This nostalgia is, in part, a defense mechanism to restore the group’s imagined superior status.

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Collective Narcissism, Conservatism, and the Politics of Reaction

Collective narcissism serves as a strong foundation for both conservative ideologies and regressive mentalities in society. These ideologies rely on the belief that certain groups—whether defined by national, cultural, racial, or religious identity—are superior and should be protected or preserved at all costs. This can manifest in:

• The rejection of progressive social policies (e.g., gender equality, racial justice, sexual minority rights) as threats to traditional values.
• The idealization of a mythologized past, often linked to historical periods of greater social or cultural dominance for the ingroup.
• Polarizing, exclusionary politics that demonize outgroups and foster conflict.
• Authoritarian or populist politics that seek to restore the group’s perceived lost power or status.

The regressive impulse is a defense mechanism against the perceived erosion of the group’s exceptionalism. It results in a social climate marked by division, resistance to change, and the glorification of a past that may never have existed as it is imagined. As such, collective narcissism not only shapes personal and group identities but also provides a fertile ground for the rise of regressive political movements that oppose social progress and attempt to return to an idealized, hierarchical past.