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A power‐challenging theory of society, or a conservative mindset? Upward and downward conspiracy theories as ideologically distinct beliefs.

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Title: A power‐challenging theory of society, or a conservative mindset? Upward and downward conspiracy theories as ideologically distinct beliefs.
Authors: Nera, Kenzo, Wagner‐Egger, Pascal, Bertin, Paul, Douglas, Karen M., Klein, Olivier
Source: European Journal of Social Psychology. Jun2021, Vol. 51, p740-757. 18p. 1 Diagram, 6 Charts, 3 Graphs.
Subjects: Labeling theory, Practical politics, Leadership, Interpersonal relations, Public opinion
Geographic Terms: Belgium
Abstract: Even though conspiracy theories are diverse, they are typically construed as a homogeneous phenomenon. Using classic theorizations of conspiracy theories by Popper and Moscovici, we propose to distinguish between belief in upward conspiracy theories (i.e., targeting relatively powerful groups) and downward conspiracy theories (i.e., targeting relatively powerless groups). The former are theorized as power‐challenging beliefs and the latter are theorized as being underpinned by conservative ideology. Across three studies conducted in Belgium (total N = 2363), we show that these two types of conspiracy beliefs indeed relate differently to power‐challenging attitudes (i.e., political extremism, feelings of leadership breakdown) and conservative ideology. Specifically, upward conspiracy beliefs were characterized by a U‐shaped relationship with political orientation (i.e., an "extremism" bias), and a strong relationship with feelings of leadership breakdown. By contrast, downward conspiracy beliefs were strongly associated with conservative ideology. Both types of conspiracy beliefs were, however, positively correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of European Journal of Social Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: A power‐challenging theory of society, or a conservative mindset? Upward and downward conspiracy theories as ideologically distinct beliefs.
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22European+Journal+of+Social+Psychology%22">European Journal of Social Psychology</searchLink>. Jun2021, Vol. 51, p740-757. 18p. 1 Diagram, 6 Charts, 3 Graphs.
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  Data: Even though conspiracy theories are diverse, they are typically construed as a homogeneous phenomenon. Using classic theorizations of conspiracy theories by Popper and Moscovici, we propose to distinguish between belief in upward conspiracy theories (i.e., targeting relatively powerful groups) and downward conspiracy theories (i.e., targeting relatively powerless groups). The former are theorized as power‐challenging beliefs and the latter are theorized as being underpinned by conservative ideology. Across three studies conducted in Belgium (total N = 2363), we show that these two types of conspiracy beliefs indeed relate differently to power‐challenging attitudes (i.e., political extremism, feelings of leadership breakdown) and conservative ideology. Specifically, upward conspiracy beliefs were characterized by a U‐shaped relationship with political orientation (i.e., an "extremism" bias), and a strong relationship with feelings of leadership breakdown. By contrast, downward conspiracy beliefs were strongly associated with conservative ideology. Both types of conspiracy beliefs were, however, positively correlated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Data: <i>Copyright of European Journal of Social Psychology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1002/ejsp.2769
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 18
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      – SubjectFull: Leadership
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      – SubjectFull: Public opinion
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      – SubjectFull: Belgium
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            NameFull: Wagner‐Egger, Pascal
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            NameFull: Bertin, Paul
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            – D: 01
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              Text: Jun2021
              Type: published
              Y: 2021
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              Value: 51
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