This volume examines the psychological factors, environments, and social factors contributing to identification with extremist identities and ideologies. Incorporating recent findings on interpersonal relationships, emotions, and social identity, the book aims to improve understanding of what makes individuals vulnerable to extremism. It concludes with a discussion of the intricacies of identification with extremist groups, a proposal for de-radicalization, and a call for awareness as a means to resist polarization.
Chapters highlight interdisciplinary research into specific concepts and behaviors that can lead to extremism, addressing topics such as:
An in-depth exploration of an increasingly divisive modern issue, The Psychology of Extremism is an essential resource for researchers and students across social psychology, sociology, political psychology, and political science.
This volume examines the psychological factors, environments, and social factors contributing to identification with extremist identities and ideologies. Incorporating recent findings on interpersonal relationships, emotions, and social identity, the book aims to improve understanding of what makes individuals vulnerable to extremism. It concludes with a discussion of the intricacies of identification with extremist groups, a proposal for de-radicalization, and a call for awareness as a means to resist polarization.
Chapters highlight interdisciplinary research into specific concepts and behaviors that can lead to extremism, addressing topics such as:
● Homogamy, tribalism and the desire to belong● Shared hatred in strong group identities
● The impact of emotional contagion on personal relationships
● Dehumanization across political party lines
An in-depth exploration of an increasingly divisive modern issue, The Psychology of Extremism is an essential resource for researchers and students across social psychology, sociology, political psychology, and political science.
Katherine V. Aumer
Homogamy, Tribalism, and the desire to belong How the desire to belong can lead to extremist identification Shared hatred as a social bond Dealing with extremist identities of those close to us Emotional contagion and relationships in extremist contexts Dehumanization and extremism Dehumanization across American political party lines Identity, extremism, and (de)radicalization Social conditions that foster extremism The role of emotion in adopting extremist views Extremism and interpersonal relationships Innate desires for affiliation leading to extremism The role and strength of hatred in group identity formation Political identification & dehumanization in 2016 Awareness as strategy to combat polarization