Between Postmodernism and Medical Populism: Cultural Determinants of Conspiracy Theories on Vaccination After Experience of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The primary objective of the study was to analyse the correlations between belief in and acceptance of vaccine-related conspiracy theories and prevailing cultural models. The authors emphasise that not only right-wing populism and fundamentalist beliefs, but also postmodern relativism, may contribute to the rejection of established medical knowledge and practices. Drawing on a survey conducted among a representative sample of 1000 members of the Polish population using random-quota sampling, the authors offer an analysis at the level of preferred models of knowledge and the epistemological conditions that contribute to the rejection of contemporary medical knowledge on vaccination in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article is inspired by the theoretical concepts of Ernest Gellner. This cultural and epistemological analysis of knowledge models that support the rise of vaccine hesitancy across different societies may contribute to a better understanding of the anti-vaccination movement and cultural trends that fuel belief in conspiracy theories and medical populism. The authors argue that the principles of Enlightenment rationalism – grounded in knowledge verified through transparent and testable procedures – provide essential cognitive support in countering vaccine-related myths, rumours, and conspiracy theories.