Questions for theory essays

• What are conspiracy theories? Provide a definition from a sociological perspective. Try to specify which elements are necessary and/or sufficient conditions for calling something a conspiracy theory. Avoid too narrow or too broad definitions.

• How can sociology explain conspiracy beliefs? Course readings provide macro-level (political, historical and socio-structural conditions) and micro-level (psychological motives) accounts of different possible causes for conspiracy beliefs. Try to formulate an integrative explanation from a sociological perspective.

• Which are potential problems for researching conspiracy theories from a sociological vantage point? What would be your suggestions to overcome these problems?