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Investigating the Links Between Cultural Values and Belief in Conspiracy Theories: The Key Roles of Collectivism and Masculinity
Author(s) -
AdamTroian Jais,
WagnerEgger Pascal,
Motyl Matt,
Arciszewski Thomas,
Imhoff Roland,
Zimmer Felix,
Klein Olivier,
Babinska Maria,
Bangerter Adrian,
Bilewicz Michal,
Blanuša Nebojša,
Bovan Kosta,
Bužarovska Rumena,
Cichocka Aleksandra,
Çelebi Elif,
Delouvée Sylvain,
Douglas Karen M.,
Dyrendal Asbjørn,
Gjoneska Biljana,
Graf Sylvie,
Gualda Estrella,
Hirschberger Gilad,
Kende Anna,
Krekó Peter,
Krouwel Andre,
Lamberty Pia,
Mari Silvia,
Milosevic Jasna,
Panasiti Maria Serena,
Pantazi Myrto,
Petkovski Ljupcho,
Porciello Giuseppina,
Prims J. P.,
Rabelo André,
Schepisi Michael,
Sutton Robbie M.,
Swami Viren,
Thórisdóttir Hulda,
Turjačanin Vladimir,
Zezelj Iris,
Prooijen JanWillem
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
political psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.419
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1467-9221
pISSN - 0162-895X
DOI - 10.1111/pops.12716
Subject(s) - collectivism , masculinity , hofstede's cultural dimensions theory , social psychology , psychology , uncertainty avoidance , perspective (graphical) , situated , individualism , mathematics , geometry , artificial intelligence , political science , computer science , psychoanalysis , law
Research suggests that belief in conspiracy theories (CT) stems from basic psychological mechanisms and is linked to other belief systems (e.g., religious beliefs). While previous research has extensively examined individual and contextual variables associated with CT beliefs, it has not yet investigated the role of culture. In the current research, we tested, based on a situated cultural cognition perspective, the extent to which culture predicts CT beliefs. Using Hofstede's model of cultural values, three nation‐level analyses of data from 25, 19, and 18 countries using different measures of CT beliefs (Study 1, N = 5323; Study 2a, N = 12,255; Study 2b, N = 30,994) revealed positive associations between masculinity, collectivism, and CT beliefs. A cross‐sectional study among U.S. citizens (Study 3, N = 350), using individual‐level measures of Hofstede's values, replicated these findings. A meta‐analysis of correlations across studies corroborated the presence of positive links between CT beliefs, collectivism, r = .31, 95% CI = [.15; .47], and masculinity, r = .39, 95% CI = [.18; .59]. Our results suggest that in addition to individual differences and contextual variables, cultural factors also play an important role in shaping CT beliefs.