Year: 2018
Type: article
Abstract: Disaffected youth are among the most susceptible in espousing extremist ideals, as confirmed by demographic studies. We study age-dependent radicalization via a three-stage model where individuals progress through non-radical, activist, and radical states while also aging. Transitions are modeled as age-dependent interactions that are maximized for individuals of the same age and that are enhanced at early adulthood. For comparison, we also derive the age-independent formulation corresponding to our model. We find that age dependence enhances radicalization and leads to waves of radical behavior ebbing and flowing over generational cycles, realizing well-known sociological paradigms. While government intervention is most effective when the appropriate ages are targeted, whether preventive or corrective action is preferable depends on the aggressiveness of the radicalization process.
Authors: Yao-Li Chuang, Tom Chou, Maria R. D’Orsogna
Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G357856235, G5453439937, G7719528503
OpenAlex ID: W2790675785