Becoming an Expert: An Analysis of Alternative Medicine in Right Wing Politics

• In Event: 40420 - Section on Political Sociology Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 19: The Politics of the Right Wing 1

Abstract

From polarizing public figures such as Joe Rogan and NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers to grassroots activists, “alternative medicines” are gaining traction in right-wing and conservative circles. Today, conservative activists are eschewing traditional medicine and medical expertise in favor of alternative medicine. Drawing on qualitative thematic content analysis and ethnographic observations of conservative activist groups in southern Nevada, we highlight the significance of alternative medicine in conservative politics. We explain how the rise of popular social media content creators has blurred the line between professional expertise and lay knowledge, demonstrating how conservative “influencers” have framed themselves as experts regarding health and medicine. In doing so, these influencers create and maintain parasocial relationships, constructing a perception of credibility and trust for themselves in the process. We also demonstrate that conservative activists have incorporated alternative medicine as a central part of their strategy, using health and wellness narratives to define and reinforce their ideologies. We conclude by discussing political implications, arguing that understanding how conservative activists think about medicine is vital to understanding conservative politics more broadly, such as their anti-establishment and anti-government sentiments and policies.

Authors

• Olivia Chavez, University of Nevada-Las Vegas

• Emily Wagner, University of Nevada-Las Vegas