Houser, Tyler E. Theoretical Applications of Social Bond, Social Learning, and General Strain Theory on Terrorism Outcomes. 2021. Radford University, Thesis. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
This is the latest version of this item.
 |
PDF
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives. Download (553kB) |
Abstract
This study adds to the gap in literature regarding criminology theory and terrorism outcomes. Specifically, this study applies social bond theory, social learning theory, and general strain theory to predict whether an extremist will be violent or nonviolent, the criminal severity of an extremist event, and whether an extremist will be a group leader or follower. Although a few studies have analyzed terrorism outcomes through the lens of social bond theory and social learning theory, this study is set apart with the addition of general strain theory, new predictor variables for social bond theory and social learning theory, new outcome variables, and approximately 700 new cases to analyze. Data was collected from the Profiles of Individual Radicalization in the United States (PIRUS) dataset. The dataset includes over 2,200 violent and nonviolent extremists that espouse or are affiliated with far-right, far-left, Islamist, or single-issue ideologies in the United States. The datasets were analyzed through SPSS utilizing frequency tables, descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analyses, bivariate correlations, binary logistic regressions, and ordinary least square regressions. The results illustrated that the chosen social learning variables were unable to predict violent extremism and criminal severity but could predict whether an extremist would be a group leader or follower. The social bond variables partially predicted violent extremism and criminal severity; however, the results illustrated that the social bond variables predicted an extremist’s role in their group in the unexpected direction. Lastly, the general strain variables partially predicted violent extremism, criminal severity, and an extremist's role in their group. Ultimately, this study provides empirical support and policy implications for the much-needed application of criminology theory to varying terrorism outcomes.
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) |
| Divisions: | Radford University > College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences > Department of Criminal Justice |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Nov 2021 01:26 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Apr 2023 18:12 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/718 |
Available Versions of this Item
- Theoretical Applications of Social Bond, Social Learning, and General Strain Theory on Terrorism Outcomes. (deposited 16 Nov 2021 01:26) [Currently Displayed]
Administrative Actions
 |
View Item |
