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Christofer Edling

Christofer Edling

Professor

Christofer Edling

A life-course analysis of engagement in violent extremist groups

Author

  • Christoffer Carlsson
  • Amir Rostami
  • Hernan Mondani
  • Joakim Sturup
  • Jerzy Sarnecki
  • Christofer Edling

Summary, in English

In this exploratory study, individuals’ processes of engagement in violent extremist groups are analysed by drawing from criminological life-course theory and narrative-based understandings of crime. Based on interviews with individuals who have participated in violent extremism, it is suggested that the process of engagement consists of three steps: (1) a weakening of informal social controls, followed by (2) an interaction with individuals in proximity to the group and (3) a stage of meaning-making in relation to the group and one’s identity, resulting in an individual’s willingness and capacity to engaging in the group’s activities, including violence. In future theorizing about processes of engagement in violent extremism, the meanings of age, and the life-course stages of late adolescence and emerging adulthood in particular, should be given analytic attention.

Department/s

  • Sociology
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
  • Centre for Economic Demography

Publishing year

2020

Language

English

Pages

74-92

Publication/Series

British Journal of Criminology

Volume

60

Issue

1

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Topic

  • Sociology (excluding Social Work, Social Psychology and Social Anthropology)

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 1464-3529