معرفی
David Norman Smith is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Kansas' College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, where he has taught since 1990. His academic home combines sociological theory with political economy and social psychology, focusing on the intersections of power, identity, and historical change.
Smith's research centers on ambivalence in democratic attitudes, particularly among moderate populations rather than extremists. His work spans prejudice studies, authoritarianism analysis, genocide research (especially Rwanda and Holocaust), and critical examinations of capitalism. Key theoretical contributions include studies of charisma, commodity fetishism, and the psychological dimensions of political economy. His recent scholarship has increasingly focused on Trump-era populism, examining the psychological underpinnings of authoritarian support through frameworks like RWA (Right-Wing Authoritarianism) and SDO (Social Dominance Orientation).
Analysis of Smith's publication trends reveals a consistent engagement with critical theory and Marxist analysis, evolving from classical sociological theory (Weber, Durkheim) toward contemporary political crises. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary reach across political science, psychology, and economics, with growing emphasis on 21st-century capitalism, racial politics, and populist movements. The narrative thread connecting his diverse topics is the examination of how abstract systems (capitalism, racism) manifest in concrete psychological experiences.
Smith maintains active research collaborations, notably with E. Hanley on voting behavior and racial attitudes. His creative scholarly output includes illustrated academic works like 'George Orwell Illustrated' and 'The Adventures of Professor Piketty,' blending rigorous analysis with accessible presentation. Current projects continue to explore authoritarian populism and capitalist crisis dynamics.
