Rational Radicalisation? A Case Study on the Psychological and Sociological Perspectives on the Radicalisation Process of a British Muslim

Abstract

This paper examines existing psychological theories of radicalisation. An interview with a British second-generation Pakistani Muslim, arrested and charged with terrorism-related offences after attempting to join IS, was applied to two existing theories of radicalisation. The results indicated that a lack of identity, a strive for significance, social and group processes, and perceived discrimination and victimisation were the most important factors in the participant’s radicalisation process. Overall, the paper concludes that certain aspects of each theory do not always appear to be present and it is important that models of radicalisation encompass more variables as interactional rather than chronological processes.