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6 - The Role of Gender in Violent Extremism

from Part II - Individual-Level Perspectives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2025

By
Katrine Fangen  and
Inger Skjelsbæk
Edited by
Milan Obaidi  and
Jonas Kunst
Milan Obaidi
Affiliation:
University of Copenhagen
Jonas Kunst
Affiliation:
BI Norwegian Business School
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Summary

This chapter explores the multifaceted role of gender within extremist ideologies and examines manifestations of masculinity, femininity, and misogyny in various extremist contexts. It shows how different scholarly approaches explain the ways in which gendered narratives shape recruitment, radicalization, and participation in extremist activities. Different explanations of male violence emphasizing the sociocultural construction of masculinity within extremist milieus is discussed and the notion of the “manosphere” and its subcultures like incels is introduced thereby showing how online spaces foster misogynistic ideologies that can escalate into violence. Furthermore, the roles women play within extremist groups, from active participation in violence to providing crucial support functions, are also highlighted. Finally, the implications of gender dynamics for prevention efforts are discussed. Ultimately, the chapter advocates for a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics to inform more effective prevention strategies and policymaking in the fight against violent extremism.

Keywords

gendermasculinityfemininityincelspreventionradicalization

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The Cambridge Handbook of the Psychology of Violent Extremism , pp. 100 - 118
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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