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British J Social Psychol - 2022 - Adam%E2%80%90Troian - Of precarity and conspiracy Introducing a socio%E2%80%90functional model of.pdf (541.83 kB)

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

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posted on 2023-06-15, 20:43 authored by Melis UlugMelis Ulug, Jais Adam-Troian, Maria Chayinska, Maria P Paladino, Jeroen Vaes, Pascal Wagner-Egger
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 Value Survey (n =?21,650; Study 1, electoral CB) and from representative samples from polls conducted in France (n =?1760, Study 2a, conspiracy mentality) and Italy (n =?2196, Study 2b, COVID-19 CB), corroborate a mediation model whereby precarity is directly and indirectly associated with lower trust in authorities and higher CB. In addition, these links are robust to adjustment on income, self-reported SES and education. Considering precarity allows for a truly social-psychological understanding of CB as the by-product of structural issues (e.g. growing inequalities). Results from our socio-functional model suggest that implementing solutions at the socio-economic level could prove efficient in fighting CB.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

British Journal of Social Psychology

ISSN

0144-6665

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Page range

1-24

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2022-11-14

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2022-11-14

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2022-11-14

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