Of precarity and conspiracy: Introducing a socio-functional model of conspiracy beliefs.

ABSTRACT: Conspiracy Beliefs (CB) are a key vector of violent extremism, radicalism and unconventional political events. So far, social-psychological research has extensively documented how cognitive, emotional and intergroup factors can promote CB. Evidence also suggests that adherence to CB moves along social class lines: low-income and low-education are among the most robust predictors of CB. Yet, the potential role of precarity-the subjective experience of permanent insecurity stemming from objective material strain-in shaping CB remains largely unexplored. In this paper, we propose for the first time a socio-functional model of CB. We test the hypothesis that precarity could foster increased CB because it undermines trust in government and the broader political 'elites'. Data from the World Val

SUBMITTER: Adam-Troian J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10100481 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature