Abstract
While recent research has focused on radicalization mainly in relation to religiously inspired terrorism, we suggest that radicalization is not intrinsically tied to political violence or group recruitment. Drawing on qualitative research conducted in Italy, we analyze two case studies—one religious and one secular—of individual, nonviolent radicalization bearing on personal choices of lifestyle and ethics. We rely on 33 interviews with Catholic hermits and 22 with antispeciesists—a radical fringe of the animal rights movement—to provide an interpretive account of the lived experience of radicalization. The findings suggest that from a subjective viewpoint, radicalization is a highly demanding choice which, however, is also perceived as empowering.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
