Advisor Information
Gina Ligon
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
3-3-2017 3:00 PM
End Date
3-3-2017 3:15 PM
Abstract
The current study elaborates on childhood victimization as a nonideological risk-factor for participation in violent extremism. In particular, we focus on contextualizing the early lives of a sample of former members of violent White supremacist groups (n = 44). Data were collected through life-history interviews and analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. The findings indicate that there are three distinct victimization pathways characterize the early lives of our sample: (a) living in a dangerous family, (b) residing in a dangerous community, and (c) living in an unstable, chaotic family environment. These victimization pathways provide further insight into the “cascading effects” of negative life experiences that often increase an individual’s susceptibility to being pulled into violent extremism. Our paper concludes with implication related to criminological theory and early childhood intervention opportunities.
Included in
Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Commons, Social Psychology Commons
Childhood Victimization Pathways and Violent Extremism
UNO Criss Library, Room 225
The current study elaborates on childhood victimization as a nonideological risk-factor for participation in violent extremism. In particular, we focus on contextualizing the early lives of a sample of former members of violent White supremacist groups (n = 44). Data were collected through life-history interviews and analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. The findings indicate that there are three distinct victimization pathways characterize the early lives of our sample: (a) living in a dangerous family, (b) residing in a dangerous community, and (c) living in an unstable, chaotic family environment. These victimization pathways provide further insight into the “cascading effects” of negative life experiences that often increase an individual’s susceptibility to being pulled into violent extremism. Our paper concludes with implication related to criminological theory and early childhood intervention opportunities.