Masculinities and Violent Extremism

Masculinity, Terrorism, Violent Extremism

Violent extremist and terrorist groups across the ideological spectrum exploit masculinities in their efforts to recruit and retain members. For example, many so-called “Islamist” violent extremists use a sense of victimization by the state, expectations around masculine roles, pushback against changing gender roles, and idealization of warrior masculinities to drive recruitment, retention, and broader strategic decisions. This may involve constructing masculinities based on violence and the subjugation of women or the protection of the Islamic community from outside “villains.”