From system acceptance to embracing alternative systems and system rejection: Tipping points in processes of radicalization

Abstract

This article focuses on the psychological process of radicalization and proposes a model that examines when people stop accepting the status quo and instead start embracing alternative social systems, unconventional worldviews, and countercultural norms and associated organizations. Specifically, complementary to earlier approaches, the article puts forward that emotional and behavioral system rejection are important in understanding growing radicalization. Building on literatures on social injustice, investment models, collective action theories, emotional reactions to injustice, the justification of violence, and system justification theory, the model proposes that perceptions of injustice are central to the process of radicalization. It is assumed that these perceptions can lead to system rejection tendencies of the dominant social system. That is, when there is no alternative system available, people can only show emotional system rejection. However, when an alternative system is available (such as when membership of a radical group or terrorist organization is a viable alternative), the scale may tip from emotional system rejection to behavioral system rejection, resulting in significantly higher levels of radicalization. In this way, the model identifies under what conditions tipping points may arise that can tilt people from system acceptance or emotional system rejection to active behavioral rejection of the societal system. Implications of this tipping point model are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)