HHS study links gender ideology to authoritarianism and political violence

A study commissioned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has found a correlation between the endorsement of gender-affirming clinical positions and higher levels of left-wing authoritarianism. The research, titled ‘Where the Clinic Meets the Movement: Does Gender Ideology Arm Left-Wing Authoritarian Psychology?’, was conducted by researchers from Rutgers University, the Manhattan Institute, and the Network Contagion Research Institute.

Based on a survey of 1,208 U.S. adults, the study indicates that individuals who strongly support gender ideology are more likely to hold authoritarian attitudes and justify political violence across various hypothetical and real-world scenarios. These scenarios included acts of violence against political figures and law enforcement.

HHS Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brian Christine stated that the association between these clinical beliefs, authoritarian attitudes, and the justification of political violence warrants ‘serious scientific scrutiny.’ The researchers noted that the study establishes an association but does not determine causality, meaning it is unclear whether gender ideology contributes to authoritarianism or if other factors influence both.