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The power of norms to sway fused group members

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 December 2018

Winnifred R. Louis Open the ORCID record for Winnifred R. Louis [Opens in a new window] ,
Craig McGarty Open the ORCID record for Craig McGarty [Opens in a new window] ,
Emma F. Thomas ,
Catherine E. Amiot  and
Fathali M. Moghaddam
Winnifred R. Louis
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia. w.louis@psy.uq.edu.auhttp://www.socialchangelab.net/winnifredrlouis.html
Craig McGarty
Affiliation:
School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. c.mcgarty@westernsydney.edu.auhttps://www.westernsydney.edu.au/staff_profiles/uws_profiles/professor_craig_mcgarty
Emma F. Thomas
Affiliation:
College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia. Emma.Thomas@flinders.edu.auhttp://www.flinders.edu.au/people/emma.thomas
Catherine E. Amiot
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada. amiot.catherine@uqam.cahttps://psychologie.uqam.ca/professeur?c=amiot.catherine
Fathali M. Moghaddam
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057. moghaddf@georgetown.edufathalimoghaddam.com
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Abstract

Whitehouse adapts insights from evolutionary anthropology to interpret extreme self-sacrifice through the concept of identity fusion. The model neglects the role of normative systems in shaping behaviors, especially in relation to violent extremism. In peaceful groups, increasing fusion will actually decrease extremism. Groups collectively appraise threats and opportunities, actively debate action options, and rarely choose violence toward self or others.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 41 , 2018 , e209
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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References

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