Work

Reconciling Jekyll and Hyde: The future of masculinity research within the domestic violent extremism context.

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Violence among young men in the United States has escalated in recent years, leading to two contrasting perspectives of young men-either as (a) agentic aggressors or (b) by-products of societal shifts that have caused disadvantage. The first perspective characterizes men as entitled and reactionary, prone to aggression when their societal expectations are unmet. This view aligns with the frustration-aggression hypothesis where unmet desires lead to hostile behaviors, particularly among individuals who perceive a loss of status and significance. Conversely, the second perspective views men as victims of rapid societal changes, such as job displacement, educational disparities, and shifting gender roles. This lens sees men as isolated and struggling to adapt to a new social landscape, leading to feelings of alienation and increased susceptibility to extremist ideologies. Social disconnection models, particularly those focused on ostracism, provide a framework for understanding these dynamics, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of isolation. This article attempts to reconcile these contrasting views, providing an integrated perspective that can help clarify the phenomenon more fully and guide ongoing attempts to alleviate it. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: American Psychologist

DOI: 10.1037/amp0001525

Authors: Sam T. Hunter, Brett H. Neely, Carter Welch, Amanda N. Moeller

Institutions: University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Language: English

Topic: Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Political Violence

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Science and Technology Directorate