The process toward (violent) extremism: an integrated theoretical model using a theory knitting approach

A key challenge within the (violent) extremism research field is building a comprehensive understanding of the process toward (violent) extremism. The lack of overarching models and the fact that explanatory models of (violent) extremism are often isolated/stand-alone, fuels disagreement on how to u...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: De Pelecijn, Lana (Author)
Contributors: Decoene, Stef ; Hardyns, Wim
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2023
In: Psychology, crime & law
Year: 2023, Volume: 29, Issue: 2, Pages: 182-202
Online Access: Volltext (lizenzpflichtig)
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Summary:A key challenge within the (violent) extremism research field is building a comprehensive understanding of the process toward (violent) extremism. The lack of overarching models and the fact that explanatory models of (violent) extremism are often isolated/stand-alone, fuels disagreement on how to understand the phenomenon. The goal of this article is to build such an integrated theoretical model that addresses two knowledge gaps within the existing literature: ‘why’ and ‘how’ does an individual become sympathetic to and/or involved in (violent) extremism? Based on a scoping review of 1856 records, we selected ten models of (violent) extremism. These models were then analysed using the ‘theory knitting approach’, searching to identify the overlapping and non-overlapping aspects between the different models. By incorporating the common analysed features and unique contributions of the models, we developed an integrated theoretical model of (violent) extremism as a non-linear and dynamic process model combining an insider and outsider perspective on (violent) extremism.
ISSN:1477-2744
DOI:10.1080/1068316X.2021.2018437