Conspiracy belief offers psychological reassurance by making the world meaningful and purposive

Evidence

In an odd way, the conspiracy theorist’s view is both frightening and reassuring. It is frightening because it magnifi es the power of evil, leading in some cases to an outright dualism in which light and darkness struggle for cosmic supremacy. At the same time, however, it is reassuring, for it promises a world that is meaningful rather than arbitrary. Not only are events nonrandom, but the clear identifi cation of evil gives the conspiracist a defi nable enemy against which to struggle, endowing life with purpose. — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy, 78

Categorization

• XREF: Echoes the sacrificial-economy theme: both give followers a definable evil/enemy giving life meaning — connects to: Conspiracy belief functions as a coping mechanism for groups facing loss and marginalization — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 146; Threat and insecurity from structural conditions drive heightened conspiracy thinking — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 56; Conspiracy belief stems from universal human meaning-making rather than outsider pathology — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 32 (+5 more)

Broader Connections

• Conspiracy theories satisfy epistemic, existential, and social needs #expands (0.85) — Sander van der Linden, Foolproof, 179
• Conspiracy belief stems from universal human meaning-making rather than outsider pathology #corroborates (0.80) — Anna Merlan, Republic of Lies, 32
• Conspiracy theories convert vague existential dread into manageable concrete fear #expands (0.75) — Holm Gero Hümmler, Ulrike Schiesser, Fact and Prejudice, 702
• Classic conspiracy theory imposes proportionality to make world-changing events comprehensible #exemplifies (0.72) — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 12
• Conspiracy beliefs fundamentally function to delineate and locate evil #corroborates (0.70) — Michael Barkun, A Culture of Conspiracy, 71