Research to Understand the Process of Radicalization - NIJ Publications Update

Through the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, NIJ has made available the following final technical report (this report is the result of an NIJ-funded project but was not published by the U.S. Department of Justice):

Title: Identity and Framing Theory, Precursor Activity, and the Radicalization Process (pdf, 24 pages)
Author: Brent L. Smith, David A. Snow, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Kelly R. Damphousse, Paxton Roberts, Anna Tan, Andy Brooks, Brent Klein
Abstract:

This research focuses on two perspectives on social movements and the process of radicalization: role identity theory and framing theory. Researchers contend that radicalization towards violence can be theorized as a process which entails a journey. Typically, this journey begins with a non- or less-radical identity and corresponding orientation, and moves toward a more radical identity and corresponding orientation. A key component of the process is the adoption or evolution of a radical identity.

Researchers reported five key concepts associated with the identity and framing perspectives central to their analysis and findings:

• Identity salience: Premised on the observation that identities are arrayed in a hierarchy, with those at the top, or most salient, in a given situation being most likely to be called on or invoked.
• Pervasiveness: Extends the notion of salience from one situation to multiple situations or encounters, such that the identity is in play in numerous situations.
• Identity work: Encompasses a range of activities individuals and groups engage in that give meaning to themselves and others by presenting or attributing and sustaining identities congruent with individuals or group interests.
• Diagnostic and prognostic framing: The two key framing concepts direct attention to the ways in which some issue or grievance is problematized and blame is attributed and to the call or plan for dealing with the problem.

In this report, researchers sought to assess two propositions:

• Persons who have developed a salient and pervasive identity that justifies extreme violence are more inclined to commit acts of terrorism.
• The radicalization process manifests itself in a variety of identity work processes that vary in both frequency and severity, may be predictable, and have distinct temporal and spatial dimensions.

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