Радикализация в местах заключения: подход социальной идентичности

Abstract

The article analyzes research on the spread of extremist ideology in prisons and uses the theory of social identity to understand the mechanism of radicalization in conditions of isolation. The urgency of addressing this problem is explained by the fact that since the events of September 11, 2001, it is the radicalization in prisons that has turned into a serious threat to the security of different countries. In addition measures to counter terrorism necessarily rely on knowledge of the psychological laws by which radicalization occurs; equally, like the development of preventive measures aimed at convicts as well as the creation of deradicalization programs, are based on an understanding of the mechanisms of social behavior. The focus of the work is on the concept of modern terrorism proposed by J. Baudrillard, the problem of radicalization and the spread of the ideology of extremism in prisons is studied, the importance of social identity in connection with the process of radicalization in a situation of isolation is demonstrated. A special role is given to the ideas of M. Hogg’s theory of uncertainty-identity (the motivational direction of the approach of social identity). According to her, experiencing uncertainty, people become inclined to the division of radical ideas and membership in the corresponding groups, because in this way they receive direct and unambiguous answers to their questions. The way to reduce uncertainty is belonging to a group, since the latter is the basis for self-determination, that is, individuals in it acquire the desired social identity, receive norms and rules of behavior, direction of thoughts and feelings. In conclusion the possibilities of the social identity approach for diagnosing persons vulnerable to involvement in terrorist activities are explained.