Suicide Terrorism as a Process of Meaning-Making and Identity-Formation Among Youth

Abstract

Youth have been involved in politically-motivated violence throughout history. Currently, youth are considered to be the most common age demographic targeted by terrorist organizations to participate in suicide attacks. However, youth cannot be viewed merely as pawns of persuasive terrorist groups, for this disregards youth as actors in their own lives and the decisions of youth to create meaning and identity that is aligned with a terrorist organization. There are many push and pull factors that contribute to youth engagement in suicide attacks. By examining individual-level factors — such as socio-economic status, fear and hatred — and group-level factors — such as family, peer, and group influences — this paper places the discourse of terrorism into a critical perspective. Viewing suicide terrorism through a holistic lens helps provide a more nuanced understanding of the ways that youth negotiate their involvement with terrorist groups. This paper concludes by offering suggestions for practice and policy to deter youth from becoming involved in potential suicide attacks in the future.