Burston, Daniel2009-05-192009-05-191998-04-01Social Thought and Research, Volume 21, Number 1&2 (1998), pp. 231-252 http://dx.doi.org/10.17161/STR.1808.5129https://hdl.handle.net/1808/5129The relationship between prevailing patterns of authority and social character formation teas once a major topic for theory' and research, but has fallen into relatioe neglect of late. This paper elucidates Fromm's three modes of authority, their psychoanalytic and sociological antecedents, their intrinsic strengths and limitations. and their possible application to contemporary sociological issues.enCopyright (c) Social Thought and Research. For rights questions please contact Editor, Department of Sociology, Social Thought and Research, Fraser Hall, 1415 Jayhawk Blvd, Lawrence, KS 66045.Article10.17161/STR.1808.5129openAccess