Introduction to Sociology
Authoritarianism limits political freedoms but often leaves private life and culture relatively untouched, while totalitarianism seeks to dominate all aspects of society.
Authoritarian regimes maintain centralized power without demanding ideological conformity, whereas totalitarian regimes enforce a single ideology through propaganda and surveillance.
Authoritarian governments may tolerate independent institutions like religion or business, while totalitarian governments attempt to absorb or control them completely.
Totalitarian regimes typically rely on a comprehensive guiding ideology, whereas authoritarian regimes may exercise power without a fully developed ideological program.