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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of acts are "phenomena of abundance"?

2. According to Freud's "psychologistic" approach to understanding human culture, what image inspired early Christianity?

3. Why is it possible for people to conform without their knowledge?

4. Why does an individual conform to society?

5. What did Freud believe to be the driving force behind human action?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the consequences for the individual and society when pressure to conform exists?

2. How does formal education limit a child's freedom?

3. What is the social function of education?

4. What is authority, as defined in the chapter "Mechanisms of Escape"?

5. What two false theories does Fromm discount that accounted for the rise of Nazism?

6. How does social character affect different groups?

7. What characteristics describe the first group of Germans who supported the Nazis?

8. What characteristics describe the second group of Germans who supported the Nazis?

9. How does the loss of identify affect an individual's willingness to conform, and what are the consequences for it?

10. What were the economic, social, and political conditions like in Germany prior to Hitler's rise to power?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Why does Fromm use Nazism to discuss authoritarianism and automaton conformity? How does the ideology of Nazism connect with Fromm's ideas on individuality and freedom? What other authoritarian political ideology possesses similar authoritarian and conformity tendencies?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Fromm's definition of freedom. In your answer, be sure to address the following:

1). What does man gain in his attempt from individual freedom?

2). What consequences exists for man and society when attaining freedom?

3) What cultural and social roadblocks does man face in this process?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay that compares Nazism to another authoritarian regime (Italian Fascism, North Vietnam, Chinese communism). In your essay, be sure to address the following points:

1). Similarities and differences in authoritarian leadership style.

2). Identify the political affiliations of both regimes.

3). Describe the historical events surrounding authoritarianism.

4). Explain how each regime suppresses the freedom of its citizens.

(see the answer keys)

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