Right-Wing Populism, Social Identity Theory, and Resistance to Public Health Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
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Right-Wing Populism, Social Identity Theory, and Resistance to Public Health Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic. / Magnus, Kathleen D.
In: INT J PUBLIC HEALTH, Vol. 67, 1604812, 12.05.2022, p. 1604812.Research output: SCORING: Contribution to journal › SCORING: Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Right-Wing Populism, Social Identity Theory, and Resistance to Public Health Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
AU - Magnus, Kathleen D.
PY - 2022/5/12
Y1 - 2022/5/12
N2 - Many western democracies experienced significant resistance to public health measures designed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Although there were complex reasons for this resistance, right-wing populist forces seem to have played a significant role in fueling it. Studies show a strong correlation between right-wing populist support and resistance to COVID-19-mitigating measures including vaccination, and those who supported these populist movements were more likely to suffer and die from the virus. The question thus arises: why do people support these movements which openly undermine their own health interests? This paper addresses this question from a social-psychological perspective. Specifically, it draws on social identity theory to explain the considerable success of right-wing populism's radical anti-health agenda and to offer some suggestions about how this negative influence may be countered.
AB - Many western democracies experienced significant resistance to public health measures designed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Although there were complex reasons for this resistance, right-wing populist forces seem to have played a significant role in fueling it. Studies show a strong correlation between right-wing populist support and resistance to COVID-19-mitigating measures including vaccination, and those who supported these populist movements were more likely to suffer and die from the virus. The question thus arises: why do people support these movements which openly undermine their own health interests? This paper addresses this question from a social-psychological perspective. Specifically, it draws on social identity theory to explain the considerable success of right-wing populism's radical anti-health agenda and to offer some suggestions about how this negative influence may be countered.
U2 - 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604812
DO - 10.3389/ijph.2022.1604812
M3 - SCORING: Journal article
VL - 67
SP - 1604812
JO - INT J PUBLIC HEALTH
JF - INT J PUBLIC HEALTH
SN - 1661-8556
M1 - 1604812
ER -
