New research published in Evolutionary Psychological Science proposes a proactive model where envy, with its capacity to intensify scrutiny of social disparities and drive competitive neutralization, forms the core of radicalizing behaviors.
From 2012 to 2016, about 4,000 citizens from diverse European Union cities made the choice to join militant factions in Syria. This decision, despite inherent risks, challenges traditional understandings of collective action theory, which posits that individuals might prefer benefiting from the actions of others without direct participation.
Traditional radicalization theories have centered on psychological and social dynamics—specifically, perceived injustices, inequality, and discrimination, amplified by the influential roles of radical networks. These models argue that extremism serves as a solution for individuals trying to escape or address their adverse circumstances, influenced significantly by their environmental and social contexts. However, these frameworks often miss the proactive elements of radicalization evident in the so-called “welfare” states of Western liberal democracies.
Researchers Michael Moncrieff and Pierre Lienard suggest that radicalization also stems from a proactive, personal choice driven by envy—an emotion that causes individuals to unfavorably compare themselves to others who possess what they desire.
Unlike jealousy, envy in this context motivates individuals to alter their perceived lower status or address what they view as unjust advantages held by others. They argue this powerful emotion propels individuals towards radicalization, choosing the path of joining militant groups as a means to effect change, sidestepping more traditional routes like political engagement or community activism.
The study explains how envy impacts the radicalization process at multiple levels. Initially, it heightens individuals’ awareness of inequalities and intensifies their feelings of injustice. This awareness may evolve into a perceived moral obligation to take action, which can justify the support of extremist causes that promise to overturn existing social orders or correct perceived injustices. Furthermore, envy can magnify social emotions connected to perceived slights, such as humiliation or resentment, pushing individuals further towards radical actions.
While traditional counter-radicalization efforts have predominantly targeted ideological and economic factors, the authors argue that addressing emotional and psychological drivers is equally vital. Developing programs that enhance social cohesion and build personal resilience against envy-induced perceptions of inequality could play a crucial role in curbing radicalization.
This approach not only broadens the conventional framework of understanding radicalization in Western societies but also expands the available tools to address this evolving challenge. A comprehensive strategy that integrates emotional and psychological aspects into traditional radicalization models may be important.
The paper, “From Envy to Radicalization”, was authored by Michael Moncrieff and Pierre Lienard.