Determinants of Radicalization of Islamic Youth in the Netherlands: Personal Uncertainty, Perceived Injustice, and Perceived Group Threat

Abstract

In this study among Dutch Muslim youth (N = 131), we focus on the process of radicalization. We hypothesize that this process is driven by three main factors: (a) personal uncertainty, (b) perceived injustice, and (c) perceived group threat. Using structural equation modeling, we demonstrate that personal uncertainty, perceived injustice, and group‐threat factors are important determinants of a radical belief system (e.g., perceived superiority of Muslims, perceived illegitimacy of Dutch authorities, perceived distance to others, and a feeling of being disconnected from society). This radical belief system in turn predicts attitudes toward violence by other Muslims, which is a determinant of own violent intentions. Results are discussed in terms of the role of individual and group‐based determinants of radicalization.

Why Do Flemish Youth Participate in Right-Wing Disruptive Groups?

“…Perceptions of threat may endorse people to engage in violent activities to restore feelings of anxiety and threat. Three dimensions of perceived threat have been identified in the literature (Stephan et al, 2002, Doosje et al, 2013, i.e. symbolic threat, realistic threat and intergroup anxiety.…”

“…Cronbach's alpha is 0.90. The items were originally used in a Dutch survey of attitudes towards extremism conducted by Doosje et al (2013) and validated in a study of .…”

“…Alpha is 0.86. This scale was derived from the superiority scale of Doosje et al (2013) and adapted to the Flemish context.…”

“…The scales of Flemish identity and Perceived group Threat were also derived from the study of Doosje et al (2013) and adapted to the Flemish context. Cronbach's alphas are respectively 0.87 and 0.92.…”

“…The items were taken from a larger scale used in a study by Doosje et al (2013). Pro racist attitudes of peers is measured via the scale from Doosje et al (2013).…”