Former Kellogg Doctoral student Sarah MacMillen (PhD '07) recently published the book Q-Anon and Other Replacement Realities: How Religious Emotion Threatens Free Society but Can Also Contribute to a Progressive Future.
The book examines both the origins and the social-psychological effects of American conspiracies that Q-Anon and other right-wing beliefs raise. MacMillen Argues that progressive social changes moves marginalized groups into the mainstream and this growing inclusivity arouses reactionary forces. In turn these forces resort to extreme conspiracy theories such as satanic sacrifice, racial replacement, communism, cannibalism, and more. The book explores ways to respond to these conspiracies and counteract violence through the reinforcement of social interaction.
During her time with Kellogg, MacMillen received a Kellogg Graduate Research Grant for her study of civil society, sympathy, and empathy. She is now an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Duquesne University.