Volume 47, Issue 1 p. 50-57
RESEARCH ARTICLE

The role of vulnerable environments in support for homegrown terrorism: Fieldwork using the 3N model

Roberto M. Lobato

Roberto M. Lobato

Department of Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

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Manuel Moyano

Corresponding Author

Manuel Moyano

Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain

Correspondence Manuel Moyano, Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, Avda. San Alberto Magno S/N, 14071, Cordoba, Spain.

Email: mmoyano@uco.es

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Jocelyn J. Bélanger

Jocelyn J. Bélanger

Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Humberto M. Trujillo

Humberto M. Trujillo

Department of Methodology for Behavioral Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain

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First published: 15 September 2020
Citations: 8

Abstract

The 3N model of radicalization proposes that violent radicalization is the result of the contribution of needs, networks, and narratives. Although research has mainly been supportive of this perspective, a substantial amount of ground remains uncovered regarding the network component of the model. Within this framework, we examine why individuals living in certain social environments tend to harbor more positive attitudes toward homegrown terrorism than others. Building on prior research, we hypothesized that individuals living in social environments known to be vulnerable (vs. less vulnerable) are more likely to experience a sense of significance loss (i.e., lack of social integration, perceived conflicts between religious groups), find solace in religious social networks (i.e., mosques), and thus adhere to radical narratives (i.e., legitimization of terrorism). A study with 365 young Muslims from different cities in Spain (Almería, Barcelona, Ceuta, and Melilla)supported these predictions. Theoretical and practical implications for the study of violent extremism are discussed.

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

The authors declare that there are no conflict of interests.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

Data available on request from the authors.

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