Extreme Britain: Gender, Masculinity and Radicalisation

Misogyny and 'toxic masculinity' are increasingly implicated in radicalization, and this book explores how these ideologies are mobilized into action through primary research among two of Britain's key extremist movements. It demonstrates how both men and women engage in extreme masculinities and the costs and benefits to them both of activism. Understanding the men and women involved in extreme movements is essential to countering them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2023
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

Misogyny and 'toxic masculinity' are increasingly linked to radicalization, spanning various ideologies from online incel movements to jihadist groups like Islamic State and radical right 'Free Speech' protests. Despite its prevalence, the process of radicalization remains poorly understood, and the role of gender and masculinities has often been overlooked. In this book, through primary research among key extremist movements in Britain, including al-Muhajiroun and the anti-Islam radical right, the authors aim to reveal radicalization as a masculinity project. Interviews with leaders such as Anjem Choudary, Jayda Fransen, and Tommy Robinson, as well as their followers, provide insight into the emergence of extreme misogyny and masculinities.

The book explores how these extreme identities are shaped by wider social norms and how masculinities are mobilized into action. It cautions against oversimplifying extreme masculinity as purely 'toxic,' recognizing that both men and women engage in various forms of extreme masculinities and the costs and benefits associated with such activism. Understanding the involvement of men and women in extreme movements is crucial in developing effective countermeasures.

Extreme Britain offers valuable insight into the lives and motivations of those involved in these extremist movements, shedding light on the complexities of gender, masculinity, and radicalization. It provides a deeper understanding of the factors that drive individuals to embrace extreme ideologies and challenges us to address these issues more comprehensively.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787389465