Personal motivation, significant others , and inclusive communities or what is required to reintegrate people at the margins: Supported reintegration of former violent extremists and gang members

TY - JOUR

T1 - Personal motivation, significant others , and inclusive communities or what is required to reintegrate people at the margins

T2 - Supported reintegration of former violent extremists and gang members

AU - Christensen, Tina Wilchen

PY - 2021

Y1 - 2021

N2 - Based on qualitative interviews of practitioners, former members of gangs and violent ex-tremist groups this article explores the role of significant others and inclusive communities in supported processes of reintegration. I employed ethnographic methods, a practice theoretical approach, and the cultural-historical school of psychology to identify how significant others through dialogue and situated learning can support former member of toxic environments’ by shaping their level of reflection, help them develop their social skills and facilitate the bridge building to inclusive communities. I argue, that supporting former members’ developing an alternative identity and associated sensitivities and sensibilities enables them to renegotiate an alternative social and professional position and develop social networks. This support their transition to majority society and seems to increase a sustained desistance. I identify some of the issues people leaving toxic environments are struggling with to conclude that three interconnected aspects are crucial for a successful reintegration; personal motivation, support from significant others in developing self-knowledge, social and professional skills and access to specific alternative and inclusive communities.

AB - Based on qualitative interviews of practitioners, former members of gangs and violent ex-tremist groups this article explores the role of significant others and inclusive communities in supported processes of reintegration. I employed ethnographic methods, a practice theoretical approach, and the cultural-historical school of psychology to identify how significant others through dialogue and situated learning can support former member of toxic environments’ by shaping their level of reflection, help them develop their social skills and facilitate the bridge building to inclusive communities. I argue, that supporting former members’ developing an alternative identity and associated sensitivities and sensibilities enables them to renegotiate an alternative social and professional position and develop social networks. This support their transition to majority society and seems to increase a sustained desistance. I identify some of the issues people leaving toxic environments are struggling with to conclude that three interconnected aspects are crucial for a successful reintegration; personal motivation, support from significant others in developing self-knowledge, social and professional skills and access to specific alternative and inclusive communities.

KW - reintegration

KW - exit processes

KW - Significant others

KW - violent extremism

KW - Gangs

M3 - Journal article

JO - Behavioural Science of Terrorism and Political Aggression

JF - Behavioural Science of Terrorism and Political Aggression

ER -