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The Radicalization of the Kanes: Family as a Primary Group Influence?

Abstract:

The extant literature speaks to the complexity involved in terrorist radicalization, yet has been unduly focused on jihadists. This is especially problematic given that other ideologically motivated movements have demonstrated a larger threat to the US homeland, like that of right-wing extremists. In addition, few US-based studies have focused on the role that one potentially important factor may have in these processes: that of the family. We seek to rectify this gap in the research by examining two “typical” case studies: Jerry Jr. and Joseph Kane. Informed by a social learning and social structure framework (SSSL), we find several instances where this primary group both created and reinforced definitions favorable to terrorism.

Publication Information

Full Citation:

Carson, Jennifer Varriale, Patrick A. James, and Tyler A. O'Neal. 2019. "The Radicalization of the Kanes: Family as a Primary Group Influence?" Dynamics of Asymmetric Conflict (February).  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17467586.2019.1568513

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