White Racial Identity and Its Link to Support for Far-Right Groups: A Test of a Social Psychological Model

Prior research indicates that far-right political groups tend to be disproportionately composed of and supported by white people. Drawing off the group identity developmental literature, we add theoretical clarity this relationship. We argue a salient racial motivates people explore social contexts affirm value being white. Many these (e.g., conservative media) reinforce instill beliefs in conspiracies, perceptions threat, legitimization hierarchies, which are defining features ideologies. As develop strong identity, they should thus view more favorably. survey data from national US sample 903 young adults, tested mediation model positing effects with support for four (the January 6 protesters, QAnon, Proud Boys, Oath Keepers) would mediated enhanced levels conspiratorial ideation, perceived dominance orientation. found all were mostly or completely accounted three mediating factors. discuss implications literatures.