An anthropological study of conspiracy theories from marginalized standpoints
De-CRIPT aims to explore the relationship between conspiracy theories and socioeconomic disadvantage through comparative analysis of marginalized communities in Western Europe, using innovative theoretical and methodological approaches.
Projectdetails
Introduction
Conspiracy theories acquire a particular significance when they are voiced by social actors who are socioeconomically disadvantaged and/or subjected to processes of dispossession. De-CRIPT will introduce theoretical and methodological innovations into conspiracy-theory studies to expand current understandings of the nexus between conspiracy theories and socioeconomic disadvantage.
Project Objectives
Comparing four paradigmatic communities subject to longstanding or newly-emerging processes of marginalization across four different countries of Western Europe, the project seeks to understand:
- The conflictual dimension of conspiracy theories in the online sphere and in everyday offline interactions.
- The conditions that make conspiracy theories acceptable or appealing among disadvantaged groups.
- Connections and disconnections between the communicative intentions of online conspiracy propagators, on the one side, and the pragmatic uses of conspiracy theories by ordinary social actors in everyday life, on the other.
Theoretical Framework
Theoretically, De-CRIPT will introduce into conspiracy-theory research:
- The philosophical tradition of pragmatism (with its linguistic and sociological legacies) in order to focus on social actors’ pragmatic uses of conspiracy theories to justify their practices and/or produce specific effects.
- A feminist epistemological lens, which examines processes of knowledge production and circulation by paying attention to different forms of oppression, in order to expand current understandings of the conditions of acceptability of conspiracy theories among low-status groups.
Methodological Approach
Methodologically, it will be the first comparative study whose empirical focus will encompass both conspiracy narratives and the narratives opposing them, across both digital and non-digital environments, by combining critical discourse analysis of online sources and feminist ethnography.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
Subsidiebedrag | € 1.492.305 |
Totale projectbegroting | € 1.492.305 |
Tijdlijn
Startdatum | 1-9-2025 |
Einddatum | 31-8-2030 |
Subsidiejaar | 2025 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVENpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
---|---|---|---|---|
Conflicts Over Conspiracy TheoriesThe CONSPIRATIONS project aims to analyze the complex dynamics between proponents and opponents of conspiracy theories in Europe through ethnographic studies, fostering a deeper understanding of their societal impacts. | ERC Starting... | € 1.499.946 | 2023 | Details |
PREFIGURING DEMOCRATIC FUTURES. CULTURAL AND THEORETICAL RESPONSES TO THE CRISIS OF POLITICAL IMAGINATIONPREDEF aims to revitalize democracy by exploring cultural and artistic practices, historical ideas, and alternative institutions to expand the democratic imagination beyond traditional political frameworks. | ERC Advanced... | € 2.430.483 | 2022 | Details |
Harmony within societyThis project aims to develop a unified framework for understanding social interactions and divisive behaviors, exploring safe spaces, transparency, and coopetition to enhance societal engagement. | ERC Advanced... | € 1.597.750 | 2024 | Details |
Digital Hate: Perpetrators, Audiences, and (Dis)Empowered TargetsDIGIHATE aims to systematically investigate the emergence, tolerance, and impact of digital hate through a multidisciplinary approach, enhancing understanding to foster dignified online societies. | ERC Advanced... | € 2.499.591 | 2023 | Details |
Afroeurope and Cyberspace: Imaginations of Diasporic Communities, Digital Agency and Poetic Strategies. Unravelling the TexturesThis project investigates how Afrodiasporic communities in Europe use the internet to reclaim their narratives and create alternative public spheres, addressing racialization and cultural identity. | ERC Starting... | € 1.499.864 | 2024 | Details |
Conflicts Over Conspiracy Theories
The CONSPIRATIONS project aims to analyze the complex dynamics between proponents and opponents of conspiracy theories in Europe through ethnographic studies, fostering a deeper understanding of their societal impacts.
PREFIGURING DEMOCRATIC FUTURES. CULTURAL AND THEORETICAL RESPONSES TO THE CRISIS OF POLITICAL IMAGINATION
PREDEF aims to revitalize democracy by exploring cultural and artistic practices, historical ideas, and alternative institutions to expand the democratic imagination beyond traditional political frameworks.
Harmony within society
This project aims to develop a unified framework for understanding social interactions and divisive behaviors, exploring safe spaces, transparency, and coopetition to enhance societal engagement.
Digital Hate: Perpetrators, Audiences, and (Dis)Empowered Targets
DIGIHATE aims to systematically investigate the emergence, tolerance, and impact of digital hate through a multidisciplinary approach, enhancing understanding to foster dignified online societies.
Afroeurope and Cyberspace: Imaginations of Diasporic Communities, Digital Agency and Poetic Strategies. Unravelling the Textures
This project investigates how Afrodiasporic communities in Europe use the internet to reclaim their narratives and create alternative public spheres, addressing racialization and cultural identity.