Abstract
In this paper I argue that the study of conspiracy theories can benefit from insights from the field of public opinion research and more specifically, opinion leadership and the diffusion of ideas. To illustrate this point, I draw from findings from a qualitative study of attitudes to crime control (Verfaillie, 2017). In that study I focused on how people inform themselves about crime control and on how they evaluate, interpret and integrate information. By examining how opinions are shaped and transform, by focusing on the process of opinion formation, we can develop a much better understanding of why (particular) conspiracy theories are preferred over other narratives, and are adopted and diffused.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Eurocrim2023 |
| Subtitle of host publication | The Renaissance of European Criminology |
| Publisher | European Society of Criminology |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Sept 2023 |
| Event | European Society of Criminology - Educatorio Fuligno, Firenze, Italy Duration: 6 Sept 2023 → 9 Sept 2023 |
Conference
| Conference | European Society of Criminology |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Italy |
| City | Firenze |
| Period | 6/09/23 → 9/09/23 |
Keywords
- diffusion of innovation
- attitudes
- discourse analysis
- sociolinguistics
- ethnography
- conspiracy theory
- great replacement
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'The diffusion of conspiracy theories. Lessons from a qualitative study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Active
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SRP80: SRP-Onderzoekszwaartepunt: Criminology of ‘the other’: Experiences and processes of ‘othering’ in and beyond crime control
De Melo Melgaço, L. (Administrative Promotor), De Kimpe, S. (Co-Promotor), Vanhouche, A.-S. (Co-Promotor) & Verfaillie, K. (Co-Promotor)
1/11/22 → 31/10/27
Project: Fundamental
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