The role of vulnerable environments in support for homegrown terrorism: Fieldwork using the 3N model
Roberto M. Lobato
Department of Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding 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
Search for more papers by this authorJocelyn J. Bélanger
Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Search for more papers by this authorHumberto M. Trujillo
Department of Methodology for Behavioral Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorRoberto M. Lobato
Department of Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding 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
Search for more papers by this authorJocelyn J. Bélanger
Department of Psychology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Search for more papers by this authorHumberto M. Trujillo
Department of Methodology for Behavioral Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
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.
Open Research
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT
Data available on request from the authors.
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