Masculinity and Violent Extremism

Reviews / Votes

"This book takes an obvious but largely neglected question seriously: Why are men the overwhelming majority in violent extremist groups? Drawing on rich empirical research, it gives a persuasive account of the role of masculinity in far right, jihadism and anti-women movements. This compelling book will be an essential source for anyone interested in gender, radicalization and violence."

Lucas Gottzén , Professor of Child and Youth Studies, Stockholm University, Sweden

"This book is a must read for anyone wanting to understand the role masculinities play in violent extremist groups of diverse ideologies - far right, Islamist and far left. It provides new empirical data and offers clear and practical solutions for policy makers looking to put theory into practice, and help men resist extreme groups."

Elizabeth Pearson , Lecturer in Criminology, Royal Holloway University of London, UK

"The central role and allure of narrow, extremely patriarchal understandings of gender roles as 'push' and 'pull' factors in violent extremist movements across the political and ideological spectrum is too often overlooked. This book is thus a most welcome, crucial and necessary contribution to current debates on violent extremism."

Henri Myrttinen , Visiting Research Fellow, University of Bremen, Germany

"Masculinity and Violent Extremism proves a detailed and valuable contribution to the literature, helping readers better understand the role of masculinities in contemporary violent extremist movements. A must read."

Joana Cook , Assistant Professor of Terrorism and Political Violence, Leiden University, Netherlands

"At a time when the role of masculinity in exacerbating political violence has become inescapable, Masculinity and Violent Extremism gives the most in-depth empirical accounts thus far. With rich comparisons of violent masculinities in Australia, the bookgives clarity about the enormity of the challenge and some steps which might be taken to address it. Masculinity and Violent Extremism is essential reading for anyone with an interest in gender and violence in contemporary politics."

David Duriesmith , Lecturer in Gender and Politics, University of Sheffield, UK

"This gripping book explores the role of masculinities in violent extremism, a topic which is more often skirted around than rigorously investigated. No one wants to blame men and masculinity per se for violent extremist events, yet there is no denying that men dominate extremist movements and are much more often involved in acts of extremist violence. One of the virtues of this book, in my opinion, is to avoid relying on broad and rather empty generalisations like 'toxic masculinity'. Rather, the book treats the problem of masculinities in violent extremism as it should be handled, with due attention to the complexitiesof gender and other socio-cultural factors that are involved. Early on, the reader is given a succinct yet incisive review of the literature in the field. Subsequently, empirical data obtained from men themselves and from popular extremist network sites allows the authors to thoroughly explore the phenomenon, and to give convincing evidence for their analysis and explanation. To my mind, the most compelling section of the book articulates the intersection of extremist and normative masculinity, depicting significant overlap between the discourse of violent extremist organisations and the norms of hegemonic masculinity. A welcome strength of this book is to end on a chapter which draws out for scholars and practitioners the implications for police and practice. The authors amply demonstrate the applicability of their study to international contexts."

Pam Nilan , University of Newcastle, Australia