Studying jihadist radicalization: theoretical and methodological challenges

Journal title SOCIOLOGIA E RICERCA SOCIALE
Author/s Patrizia Laurano
Publishing Year 2025 Issue 2024/135
Language Italian Pages 26 P. 51-76 File size 272 KB
DOI 10.3280/SR2024-135003
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This essay explores jihadist radicalization in Europe, with a particular focus on the methodological challenges involved in field research. Although sociology has developed various explanatory theoretical models (such as relative deprivation, network theories, re-socialization, and psycho-cognitive disorders), significant limitations remain. Field research – predominantly qualitative and based on life histories and case studies – fails to adequately address fundamental questions: who becomes radicalized, and why? The essay seeks to identify the principal methodological shortcomings and propose new analytical approaches for a line of research that, beyond its theoretical relevance, may inform public policy and decision-making.

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Patrizia Laurano, Studiare la radicalizzazione jihadista: problemi teorico-metodologici in "SOCIOLOGIA E RICERCA SOCIALE " 135/2024, pp 51-76, DOI: 10.3280/SR2024-135003