Radicalisation

Cummins, ID

Abstract

In the political context, the term radical has been applied to a wide range of figures. Both Jeremy Corbyn and Nigel Farage could be considered radical in the sense that that they are campaigning for a society based on a different set of political and economic relationships and values. However, in politics, radicalism has come to be associated with the adoption of revolutionary tactics and approaches. Radicals can come from across the political spectrum. Historically, radical has been a term that has been most closely associated with progressive politics. The tactics radicals adopt do not have to be violent - for example, being a conscientious objector and refusing conscription in World War 1 was a radical act . The Suffragettes were radical in both their aims and methods (Purvis, 1995). Radicalisation in the current political climate, is the term used for the processes, by which, individuals become involved in political groups that are committed to the overhaul of political and social structures (Kundnani, 2012). There is an implicit assumption that these radical approaches includes a rejection of parliamentary democracy as a means of bringing about lasting and fundamental change. Since the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers on 9/11, radicalisation has been largely been associated with terrorism inspired by radical interpretations of Islamic religious texts (Kundnani, 2012).

• Publication Date: Nov 27, 2019
• Deposit Date: Jun 30, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 27, 2021
• Publisher: Policy Press
• Pages: 212-222
• Book Title: Social Work and Society: Political and Ideological Perspectives
• ISBN: 9781447344704
• Publisher URL: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/social-work-and-society
• Related Public URLs: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/subjects
• Additional Information: Access Information : This is a post-peer-review, pre-copy edited version of a chapter published in Social Work and Society Political and Ideological Perspectives. Details of the definitive published version and how to purchase it are available online at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/social-work-and-society.