Keyword: authoritarianism

ABSTRACT: This article explores the relationship between authoritarianism, Social Darwinism, and exclusivist attitudes toward individuals with disabilities in the context of inclusive education. Using the method of structural equation modeling, we test whether authoritarianism and Social Darwinism pose a barrier to inclusive education (understood as segregated placement, transmissive learning and teaching beliefs, and a medical model of disability). The sample consists of N = 215 student teachers and psychology students from a southwestern German university. The hypothesis that Social Darwinism plays a mediating role between authoritarian attitudes and exclusivist attitudes toward inclusion was tested for the first time. Findings confirm the assumed predictive relationship between right-wing authoritarianism and opposition to inclusive education. While right-wing authoritarianism and Social Darwinism are indeed significantly related, we do not observe, however, a significant relationship between Social Darwinism and exclusionary attitudes—a finding we discuss particularly in light of our sample. The results indicate that the opposition to inclusive education is based on a coherent attitude that is in compliance with authoritarianism. Practical implications are discussed.