Cognitive Deviance

“I Would Give Anything to Talk about Aliens Now”: QAnon Conspiracy Theories and the Creation of Cognitive Deviance

“…This research contributes to the reactivist perspective on deviant beliefs (Perrin 2015). Under this perspective, beliefs are not inherently deviant, but come to be seen as deviant through social processes of knowledge legitimation and delegitimation (Barkun 2015; Perrin 2015).…”

“…This research contributes to the reactivist perspective on deviant beliefs (Perrin 2015). Under this perspective, beliefs are not inherently deviant, but come to be seen as deviant through social processes of knowledge legitimation and delegitimation (Barkun 2015; Perrin 2015). Belief in the paranormal, flat-earthers, and antivaccine advocacy become labeled as deviant based on established norms for truth legitimation.…”

“…Another strength that we offer is a theoretical contribution that will move the discipline forward. Although Perrin (2015) was the first to coin the term, cognitive deviance is an underdeveloped concept with little empirical research on it. We have documented the mechanics behind the development of deviancy within a belief system.…”

“…These social rules are typically applied to unconventional beliefs. Robin D. Perrin (2015) notes, however, that holding an unconventional belief does not automatically produce deviance. From a reactivist perspective (Perrin 2015), deviance is produced through the reactions of outsiders.…”

“…Robin D. Perrin (2015) notes, however, that holding an unconventional belief does not automatically produce deviance. From a reactivist perspective (Perrin 2015), deviance is produced through the reactions of outsiders. Thus, making something cognitively deviant requires an effort to create the deviant label, apply it, and affirm it over time through social interaction.…”