Understanding Radicalisation: Exploring the Multifaceted Process through Bioecological Systems and Intersectional Theory
Introduction to Radicalisation
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How do people become radicalised?
It's a complicated process with no "one size fits all" solution; however, some frameworks can help understand this multifaceted problem. In this paper, I will argue that Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological systems theory and intersectional theory can be combined to create a more comprehensive framework for understanding radicalisation. Rather than being antithetical, these two frameworks are complementary and provide an enhanced perspective on the radicalisation process.
The Importance of Understanding Radicalisation
Radicalisation is of paramount importance today as we witness increasing polarisation and the emergence of extremist ideologies, such as the alt-right, which can pose challenges to democracies worldwide. For example, the world witnessed the effect of mass polarisation on January 6, 2021, when radicalised Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol to overturn a fair and democratic election in favour of Donald Trump.
Defining Radicalisation
Radicalisation is a process by which a person adopts extreme or radical positions on political or social issues, often leading to support for or engagement in violent actions. Instead of viewing radicalisation as a binary switch, it should be considered a scale that progresses through several stages, from pre-radicalisation to various intermediary stages, ultimately culminating in a fully radicalised individual.
Stages of Radicalisation
According to the ACT Action Counters Terrorism website, there are four stages on the scale:
Pre-radical: A person joins or identifies with a group or organisation.
Self-Identify: The person believes and accepts the group's beliefs or organisation
Indoctrination: The person is then groomed by the group or organisation, pulling them further along the pathway
Terrorism: The person starts committing terrorist acts
Applying Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological Model and Intersectional Theory
Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological model provides a solid framework for understanding the complexities behind the radicalisation process. At the same time, the addition of intersectionality allows us to further drill down into the minutia of the process. To explain the process, we must look at all of the determinants. Biology is one of them; however, I do not subscribe dogmatically to the "nature VS nurture" debate in this particular context; I think it is a combination of nature (biological determinants) and nurture (environmental determinants) that forges the radicalisation of the individual.
Understanding the Interaction of Systems
Bronfenbrenner's theory describes the interaction among the various systems in a person's life, such as family, school, work, community, culture, and the coup de grâce, the chronosystem, which introduces time into the equation.
Initially developed by Urie Bronfenbrenner, the Bioecological Model of Human Development provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the multiple factors influencing human behaviour. The model is structured around four interconnected systems influencing an individual's development. These systems are:
Microsystem: This is the most immediate and closest environment in which an individual operates. It includes family, friends, school, work, and other direct relationships and contexts. The microsystem represents the daily interactions and experiences that directly impact the individual's development.
Mesosystem: This system encompasses the interactions between the different microsystems. For example, it includes the relationship between a child's home and school environments or the connection between a person's workplace and friendships. The mesosystem explores how different aspects of an individual's life are connected and influence one another.
Exosystem: The exosystem refers to the broader societal structures and settings that indirectly impact an individual's development. These include the local economy, mass media, government policies, and community resources. Although individuals may not have direct contact with these structures, they still experience the effects of decisions or changes within the exosystem.
Macrosystem: This system encompasses cultural values, norms, and societal beliefs, the zeitgeist. The macrosystem influences how people perceive and interact with the world around them. Factors such as social norms, customs, traditions, and historical events contribute to the formation of the macrosystem, shaping individual development.
In addition to these four systems, Bronfenbrenner later introduced a fifth component called the Chronosystem. The chronosystem represents the consequences of time on an individual's development, accounting for the influence of life events, transitions, and historical changes. It recognises that individuals' experiences and development change over time and that the same event or circumstance can have different effects depending on their life timing or the time in which they live.
By examining the interactions among these systems, the Bioecological Model of Human Development offers a comprehensive understanding of the different factors that contribute to an individual's behaviour and development.
The Chronosystem and Historical Context
For example, let us consider the situation in Ukraine. Why are most Ukrainians willing to suffer and perish at the hands of the Russian Federation rather than capitulating and returning to a political entity they were once part of? This question highlights the importance of the chronosystem. From 1932 to 1933, Joseph Stalin engineered a human-made famine that killed millions of Ukrainians. This historical event, situated within the chronosystem, has profoundly shaped the Ukrainian zeitgeist up to the present day.
Intersectional Theory and Personal Experiences
The addition of intersectional theory allows us to drill down to a more nuanced look at the radicalisation process by realising that while two people can grow under broadly-similar circumstances, their personal experiences make them unique.
The Biological Determinants
Research is showing some solid evidence that biology does influence behaviour. While this influence may not be the strongest, it adds to the mix and increases susceptibility.
"Basic research on behavioural genetics is thriving. Researchers have developed powerful tools to disentangle the underlying complexity between genes and behaviour, and are amassing a body of knowledge about how phenotypic variation relates to and influences distinct patterns of behaviour. Although researchers recognise the importance of environmental factors in the development of living organisms, they have also produced solid evidence showing how genes are relevant to basic forms of behaviour."
Conclusion
This article has demonstrated the value of combining Bronfenbrenner's Bioecological systems theory and intersectional theory to understand radicalisation's complex and multifaceted process better. By examining both the broader systems and individual experiences, we have been able to delve deeper into the nuances of radicalisation and how different factors interact and influence individuals. The Bioecological model sheds light on the various levels of influence in a person's life. At the same time, intersectional theory helps us acknowledge the unique intersections of personal experiences that shape each individual's development.
Integrating these two frameworks enables us to develop a more comprehensive understanding of radicalisation, which is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by increasing polarisation and the emergence of extremist ideologies worldwide. Furthermore, using these frameworks can inform the creation of effective strategies and interventions to mitigate the factors contributing to radicalisation, fostering a more inclusive, harmonious, and resilient society.
References:
ACT Early. (2021). What are the stages of radicalisation? Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://actearly.uk/radicalisation/the-stages/
Pigliucci, M., & Müller, G. B. (2010). The biology of behaviour: scientific and ethical implications. EMBO reports, 11(4), 246–249. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2010.33