School of Social and Political Science

Description

Abstract

Conspiracy theories are popularly and theoretically conceived as a white, masculine, politically conservative phenomenon. But is conspiracy theory limited to the mind of the white male subject? Conspiracy theories and feminine topics alike are often dismissed as frivolous, ridiculous, and pointless—qualities that have always been assigned to feminine interests and pursuits. Feminized conspiracy theories deal in traditionally feminine topics appealing to women and queer people, frequently in the realms of wellness, spirituality, and celebrity. This talk will explore how feminized conspiratorial knowledge is produced in three specific contexts: communities of Taylor Swift fans who think the singer is queer and closeted (known as “Gaylors”), women who research UFOs, and conspirituality on the streaming video website Gaia. These case studies illustrate distinctive features of feminized conspiratorial knowledge cultures, including gendered research methods, standpoint epistemologies, embodied expertise, and queer utopianisms. 
 

Location: G.01 HSY Teaching Centre
High School Yards
Edinburgh, EH1 1LZ

And online - STIS Seminar Zoom Link:

https://ed-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/82140544359?pwd=Eoxde3Vj_00WiBRxOt47aCdJ0Dy3CITi.T-3gLpgTSI0MkJAy
Passcode:RJxn7F5R