Authority Position, Legitimacy of Authority Structure, and Acquiescence to Authority

Abstract

This paper reports a quasi-replication of Lopreato's test of hypotheses derived from Dahren-dorf's theory of class and class conflict in imperatively coordinated associations. Using survey data from a probability sample of Hamilton County, Ohio, adults, measures are constructed of position in the authority structure, perception of the legitimacy of the authority structure, and acquiescence to authority. Our analysis supports Dahrendorf's contention that workers without authority (the obey class) tend to perceive the authority structure as less legitimate than do workers with authority (the command class). Contrary to Dahrendorf, however, our study indicates that the command class is less likely than the obey class to acquiesce to authority; and that there is a cleavage in both legitimacy perception and acquiescence within the command class. The middle command class acquiesces least to authority and perceives the authority structure as least legitimate. These patterns are maintained even after statistically controlling for race, sex, age, and education.