15.1 ANGRY YOUNG MEN, COMMON THREADS IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF EXTREMIST GROUPS

Abstract

Presentation attendees will: 1) understand psychological commonalities among gang members and violent extremists; 2) recognize how group affiliation can drive destructive ideologies; and 3) learn of opportunities to promote engagement with young men and to decrease the risk of identification with violent movements. The presenter will review the demographics of gang members and violent extremists. When available, experimental research will frame causative factors and contributing influences. Challenges that limit a better understanding of the threat from violent groups and ideologies will be explored. Gang members and violent extremists share multiple demographic factors, and most strikingly, the vast majority of them are male. Factors associated with male adolescents and young men joining violent groups include perceived lack of social acceptance and support, along with limited financial and leisure opportunities. Street gangs and extremist groups’ messages of personal agency, purpose, and affiliation have strong appeal. School is often the primary socializing environment outside the home and the most important place where children become enculturated. Boys have significantly higher rates of discipline and academic underperformance. Studies of bias against male students show mixed results but may be a factor. Biological factors, perhaps interacting with school environments, likely play a role. Precise characterizations of the nature of male school disengagement has defied easy categorization. The rejection of mainstream institutions and establishment viewpoints is a component of extremist groups. Yet, issues of trust and problems with groupthink abound throughout society. Human cognitive abilities have limitations, and association with a group can promote views that members believe reflect logical argument but actually appear to function more as badges of group identity. Gang members and violent extremists show common characteristics, and some scholars argue that they function as part of a continuum. Reducing the impact of violent ideologies is an important priority. Supporting and integrating young men into mainstream society should start at the school level and also requires community-based programming.