Immigrants are frequent targets of conspiracy theories, yet the topic remains underexplored in academic research. Addressing this gap, the study examines conspiracy theory beliefs about migrants and immigration in contemporary Serbia, employing quantitative study to explore the role of political, social, and religious values in shaping these beliefs.
Using a stratified three-stage probability sampling procedure, 1,199 adult Serbian citizens (aged 18+) participated in face-to-face interviews conducted in July 2022. The research adopted a practice-based approach by engaging respondents in structured yet dynamic interviews designed to capture nuanced perspectives on migration and conspiracy theories. Sampling involved polling station territories, random route selection of households, and random selection of individuals within households, with an average interview duration of 20 minutes. These participatory methods ensured that the data reflected lived experiences and grounded beliefs, providing actionable insights for real-world application.
The findings reveal a statistically significant relationship between individuals’ political, social, and religious values and their susceptibility to conspiracy theories about migration. The results underscore the need for value-based, community-centred approaches to counteract conspiracy theories and promote informed public discourse.
These findings can guide policymakers, educators, and civil society organizations in developing targeted interventions that address underlying value systems and foster resilience against misinformation, ultimately contributing to social cohesion and mutual understanding.
Published in: Nefes, T. S., Milošević Đorđević, J., & Vdović, M. (2024). With God We Distrust! The Impact of Values in Conspiracy Theory Beliefs About Migration in Serbia. Sociological Research Online, 13607804231212310.
Date and time of webinar: 10 April 2025, 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM (CET).
Presenter: Prof. Dr. Jasna Milošević Đorđević, Singidunum University, Serbia.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ermira Kalaj, University “Luigj Gurakuqi”, Shkodra, Albania.
Language: English.
Zoom link:
https://unibw.zoom-x.de/j/64609438226?pwd=zgqo4iHz2icm38auTmJJllywFnQGBN.1
Meeting-ID: 646 0943 8226
Passcode: 778136
