Date of Award

12-13-2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Sinnott

Second Advisor

Dr. Kubala

Third Advisor

Dr. Bell

Abstract

This thesis explores the link between New Age ideology, Evangelical Christianity, Qanon and the weaponization of women's body autonomy. It delves into how these factors have brought women into the Qanon conspiracy, leading them to engage in COVID denial, anti-vax movements, spreading medical misinformation, Qanon propaganda, and right-wing beliefs. Employing qualitative data analysis, cyberethnography, and feminist analysis, the research identifies online behavior, shared values, and beliefs in wellness, spiritual, and alt-right spaces through specific hashtags. This thesis focuses on a small set of social media hashtags on Facebook and Instagram between 2016 to 2020, revealing connections and shared agendas between New Age and Conservative religious communities. Remarkably, it uncovers a partnership between the male-dominated alt-right and the female-led New Age community, united by a specific feminized metaphysical language. By highlighting this connection, the research exposes the white supremacist origins of Qanon, discouraging well-intentioned women from joining the movement.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/36397862

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