Thinking Allowed
Gender and Radicalisation
Oct 8, 2024
Elizabeth Pearson, a Senior Lecturer in Criminology, and Katherine Williams, a Postdoctoral researcher, dive deep into the often-overlooked intersection of gender and radicalization. They explore how misogyny influences extremist ideologies across the political spectrum. Pearson sheds light on her research into British extremist groups, while Williams challenges the stereotype that women are disconnected from far-right movements. Their discussion reveals the complex roles women play in these ideologies, highlighting empowerment amidst oppression and the surprising dynamics within radical spheres.
28:12
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Quick takeaways
- Radicalisation within extremist movements is deeply entwined with masculinities, highlighting gender dynamics essential to understanding political extremism.
- The evolving role of women in far-right movements reveals contradictions in their claims of empowerment amidst a backdrop of enduring misogyny.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Gender and Political Extremism
Understanding political extremism necessitates a critical examination of gender dynamics within extremist groups. Research indicates that both far-right and Islamist movements are predominantly male-dominated, which reveals an underlying societal structure that values certain masculinities. In interviews with members of groups like the English Defence League and Islamist organizations, it became evident that concepts of masculinity were central to their identity and success within these groups. This highlights how gender is not merely an add-on but a fundamental aspect shaping the ideologies of nationalism and religiosity associated with extremism.
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