However sugarcoated and ambiguous, every form of authoritarianism must start with a belief in some group's greater right to power, whether that right is justified by sex, race, class, religion or all four. However far it may expand, the progression inevitably rests on unequal power and airtight roles within the family.

Summary

This quote emphasizes that any form of authoritarianism, regardless of being disguised or unclear, begins with the belief that a certain group is entitled to hold more power over others. This entitlement is often justified by factors such as gender, race, socio-economic status, or religion. The quote highlights that as authoritarianism grows, it perpetuates and solidifies unequal power dynamics and rigid roles within families. Consequently, the quote suggests that authoritarianism thrives on inequality and the establishment of strict hierarchies within society.

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