Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

A Downward Spiral: The Role of Hegemonic Masculinity in Lone Actor Terrorism

2021; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 46; Issue: 12 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/1057610x.2021.1928894

1521-0731

Beth Windisch,

Social and Intergroup Psychology

This article examines the intersection of grievances, identity threats, and gender-based violence in the radicalization and attacks of post-9/11 lone actor terrorists in the United States. Before their attacks, many perpetrators committed acts of gender-based violence, and most experienced stressors related to the performance of hegemonic masculinity, a culturally constructed set of norms that places value on dominance and accomplishment. This study hypothesizes that these stressors might have been perceived as identity threats, catalyzing the attackers' downward spiral toward violence. A thematic diagram relating stressors, male identity, and lone actor terrorism is offered as an alternative framework for understanding radicalization.