Sociological perspectives on Islamist radicalization – bridging the micro/macro gap

Radicalization research has been characterized by a sharp opposition between micro and macro perspectives. This article discusses three existing theoretical perspectives and argues that they may bridge the micro/macro gap. A masculinity, gender and intersectionality perspective can help analyse radi...

Full description

Saved in:  
Bibliographic Details
Authors: Jensen, Sune Qvotrup (Author) ; Larsen, Jeppe Fuglsang (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2021
In: European journal of criminology
Year: 2021, Volume: 18, Issue: 3, Pages: 426-443
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
Journals Online & Print:
Drawer...
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Gender
Jihadism
Masculinity
Radicalization
religious emotions
Subculture
Description
Summary:Radicalization research has been characterized by a sharp opposition between micro and macro perspectives. This article discusses three existing theoretical perspectives and argues that they may bridge the micro/macro gap. A masculinity, gender and intersectionality perspective can help analyse radicalization as a strategy for remasculinization by situating feelings of emasculation in a broader societal frame. A neo-Birminghamian conception of subculture relates individual and group processes to a broader social context by viewing radicalization as an oppositional answer to a shared situation of social and economic marginalization, and othering. Sociology of religious emotions provides an understanding of how emotional outcomes of social marginality can be transformed into individual religious emotions within radical Islamist groups.
ISSN:1741-2609
DOI:10.1177/1477370819851356