From this initial classification of beliefs, Rokeach (1976, pp. 6 -13) goes on to describe five classes of belief that relate to the centrality of the belief. Type A concerns primitive beliefs to which everyone in a society will ascribe. These are basic truths regarding physical reality (“this is a table”) that bring constancy into our life. Rokeach indicates that is a matter of trust in these primitive beliefs and constancies that enable us to navigate through our life. It is interesting to note that certain discoveries in physics (primarily quantum mechanics and the study of sub-atomic particles) bring these primitive beliefs into question. We are all closed-minded when it comes to living with the “reality” that there is there no “table” there (only energy and widely separated particles) and that entities can relate to one another in a noncausal manner. Perhaps we can gain greater empathy for the sense of bewilderment and the angst found among closed-minded authoritarians when reflecting on our own reactions to findings of the “new sciences.” What happens when basic trust is pulled out from under our feet (or the feet of the authoritarian)?
For Rokeach there is a second type of belief (Type B) that is primitive but holds no consensus. These beliefs reside at the heart of a particular kind of close-minded authoritarianism. These beliefs are held personally and are rarely disclosed (hence are rarely open to refute). Rokeach offers the following phrase to summarize this type: “I believe, but no one else could know. It therefore does not matter what others believe.” This type of belief system and authoritarian perspective is often associated with religion (and we would suggest with religious conversion experiences). While Rokeach has moved beyond a focus on the close-minded belief, it would seem that Type B authoritarianism is the most impervious to change. The “authority” resides in our heart, so should be of “no concern” to anyone else!
Type C beliefs are those associated with shared commitments to some specific source of authoritarian “truth”. In fleshing out Type C belief systems we return to William Perry, a psychologist (and counsellor) who we have already referenced regarding rugged development. Perry (1998) identifies a “dualistic” frame of reference which is to be found among most people in the world—at least when they are faced with anxiety-producing challenges (such as are found in VUCA-Plus environments). The dualist believes that there are “right” and “wrong” beliefs and that there are “good” and “bad” people in the world.
Furthermore, there are “correct’ authority figures and institutions in any society and “those” who are not “correct” and belong on the “wrong” and “bad” side of the ledger. While Type C dualism is prevalent, a closed-minded authoritarian perspective tends to be all-encompassing of this dualism. Everything is placed on the ledger and actions are taken exclusively based on the closed belief regarding the “truth” of any opinion and the “authoritative” or “nonauthoritative” source of this “truth.”
The fourth type of belief (D) comes from our acceptance of authoritative opinions offered by outside sources (media, speeches, books, etc.) This source of belief is common to all of us living in mid-21st Century societies. These are “derived” beliefs that come from secondary sources rather than from our own personal experiences or some specific source of authority on which we rely exclusively. Ironically (and disturbingly) we find that many members of contemporary societies do rely on a single source and do not exemplify the diversified sources that Rokeach identifies in Type D.
