People living in modern society are very different. They have different points of view, measures of interaction with others. But, of course, one thing connects them all: a goal in life that everyone would like to achieve. The methods of achieving the goal sometimes also differ.
What is Machiavellianism?
The term "Machiavellianism" comes from the English word machiavellianism. At first, it was used when talking about political science, which meant a very tough policy of the state, using brute force. Subsequently, the term moved into a completely different industry. Machiavellianism in psychology means a person's personal beliefs that he can and should manipulate other people. Also, this term suggests that a person has certain skills for this, which he develops to achieve his goals, usually this person has the gift of persuasion, besides, he is well versed in what other people want, knows their intentions, aspirations, desires.
The appearance of the term "Machiavellianism"
For the first time, this phenomenon was discussed in the Renaissance after the work of the Italian thinker Niccolo Machiavelli called "The Emperor" was published. In it, N. Machiavelli shared hisideas, where he connected the propensity to manipulate with the personal characteristics of individual individuals. In his opinion, when ruling a state, the ruler does not have to take into account the wishes of the people, because with the help of brute force, you can achieve anything, and the people will have nowhere to go, they will fulfill any requirements. For the sake of the prosperity and development of the state, the interests of ordinary people can be neglected. In modern times, the concept of Machiavellianism is more equated with cynicism, deceit and cunning.
Principles of Direction
From the very beginning of his career, Machiavelli was distinguished by cunning and cunning. Throughout his life, he made a huge contribution to ensuring that his beloved Florence could stand on the world political arena. He had a chance to communicate for some time with Cesare Borgia, a cruel and prudent Italian commander who dreams of creating a single Italian state and ruling it. But in his game he was not always honest. Machiavelli's work "The Prince" described this particular person, where he put forward his principles of Machiavellianism. The fact is that soon a war broke out between the Roman Empire and Venice. Riots broke out in the country, and N. Machiavelli was imprisoned on charges of conspiracy. Under the threat of execution and torture, he does not admit his guilt, so he is released. In his work, he describes how those who preach goodness and justice, in fact, build their power on cruelty and violence. It was in honor of Machiavelli that a separate direction was called "Machiavellianism". This is a kind of belief that letit is better that a cruel ruler rules the state, who does not hide his intentions, but keeps it under control, than a dozen weak people who understand nothing about political affairs. In his understanding, the fundamental principle should be a strong state with an equally strong ruler, leading his people to prosperity.
Psychological properties of personality
The term "Machiavellianism" has long been used in foreign psychology. We are talking about the behavior of a person in interpersonal relationships, when he hides his true intentions by any means and uses special maneuvers and manipulations (this can be flattery, deceit, intimidation, and so on) to divert the attention of others, as a result of which they, without realizing it, do whatever they are told. Scientists have proven that a person who has Machiavellianism is a person prone to excessive suspicion, hostility, negativity and selfishness. That is, such a person in relations with other people behaves coldly and aloofly because of distrust of others. Machiavellian people are ambitious, smart, persistent, they always know what they want. Their indecisiveness, cowardice and sentimentality are weakly expressed.
Research methodology
In Russian psychology, the concept of "Machiavellianism" is not as widespread as in foreign psychology. American scientists conducted several studies of the work "The Sovereign" and, on its basis, compiled a series of psychological questions to identifymachiavellianism. Since Machiavellianism is common in interpersonal relationships, there are a huge number of examples. The daughter is doing a math assignment, suddenly she asks her mother to come and help her. Mom helps. After a while, the daughter again asks for a favor, the mother comes up again. And then again, and again. Finally, after another request, my mother can not stand it, sits next to her and finishes the task herself. The daughter is glad, because she was not going to do this task at all, and now she is glad that she was able to make her mother complete the task for her. That is, in the understanding of scientists, Machiavellianism is a combination of emotional and behavioral characteristics, in which a person is able, when communicating, to convince another to follow his instructions.
Research results
In their answers to psychological questions, the Machiavellians rated the moral qualities of their personality very low. This means that they recognize the impossibility of combining their type of behavior and socially approved moral attitudes. The results of the study indicate that Machiavellians are more sociable and it does not depend on whether they are lying or telling the truth, but decency, honesty, friendliness are put on the back burner. In addition, it turned out that women have slightly higher rates of Machiavellianism than men.
