Leiden University Student Repository

Bromley, Carys (2021)

Radically Deprived: A Thematic Analysis Exploring Relative Deprivation And Right-Wing Extremism

Bachelor thesis | Security Studies (BSc)

Research into the reasons for radicalisation is central to understanding violent extremist attacks in the twenty-first century. As a new wave of extremism emerges, right-wing extremism, so too has a new population of radicalised individuals. By using thematic analysis, and guided by relative deprivation theory, this research explores the reasons behind the radicalisation of six violent right-wing males. The findings of the research indicate three main themes of deprivation suffered by the subjects. Namely, ‘economic suffering because of minority groups’, ‘feelings of social isolation because of alternative beliefs’ and ‘political suppression and exclusion because of minority groups demonstrating political power’. Considering these findings, practical and political interventions can be implemented to prevent vulnerable individuals, who are susceptible to relative deprivation, from being radicalised, in turn preventing right-wing extremist attacks from manifestation.

relative deprivation

right-wing extremism

radicalisation

Author

Bromley, Carys

Faculty

Faculty of Governance and Global Affairs

Supervisors

Carthy, S.L.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en