Definitions Favorable to Terrorism? SSSL and Radicalization: A Case Study Approach

• NCJ Number: 304709
• Journal: Journal of Qualitative Criminal Justice & Criminology Volume: 7 Dated: February 2019 Pages: 59-94
• Author(s): Jennifer Varriale Carson; Patrick Andres James
• Date Published: February 2019
• Length: 35 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2015-ZA-BX-0004
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Award: Social Learning and Social Control in the Off and Online Pathways to Hate and Extremist Violence

Annotation

Although social structure and social learning (SSSL) theory has oft been proposed as a general theory of crime, it has rarely been applied to that which qualifies as ideologically-motivated, so we seek to rectify this notable gap in the research by examining the suitability of an SSSL framework to radicalization, an understudied yet vital process to enacting evidence-based counterterrorism efforts.

 

Abstract

Utilizing a “most likely” case study approach, we find several themes consistent with SSSL principles, primarily within its social learning constructs. We conclude that SSSL does indeed offer promise for explaining all forms of crime including acts of terrorism. (Publisher Abstract)