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

• DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12597
• Publication Date: 2022-11-11T07:21:51Z
• Authors: Jais Adam‐Troian; Maria Chayinska; Maria Paola Paladino; Özden Melis Uluğ; Jeroen Vaes; Pascal Wagner‐Egger
• Keywords: Value (mathematics)

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 intergroup factors can promote CB. Evidence also suggests that adherence to CB moves along social class lines: low-income low-education among the most robust predictors Yet, potential role precarity-the subjective experience permanent insecurity stemming from objective material strain-in shaping remains largely unexplored. In this paper, we propose for first time socio-functional model We test hypothesis precarity could foster increased because it undermines trust in government broader 'elites'. Data World Value Survey (n = 21,650; Study 1, electoral CB) representative samples polls conducted France 1760, 2a, conspiracy mentality) Italy 2196, 2b, COVID-19 CB), corroborate mediation whereby is directly indirectly associated with lower authorities higher addition, these links adjustment on income, self-reported SES education. Considering allows truly understanding as by-product structural issues (e.g. growing inequalities). Results our suggest implementing solutions at socio-economic level prove efficient fighting