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Cal Poly Humboldt

Extremism

Publication Year

Articles 1 - 3 of 3

Full-Text Articles in Psychology

Extremism In America: Explaining Political Extremism Using Uncertainty-Identity Theory, Natasha A. La Vogue Jan 2023

Extremism In America: Explaining Political Extremism Using Uncertainty-Identity Theory, Natasha A. La Vogue

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Navigating a post-pandemic society, climate-change, political conflict and international wars have become part of most people’s daily existence. These crises are sources of societal and personal uncertainty. An effective method of uncertainty reduction comes from people’s entrenched group memberships (e.g. nation, political party). Unfortunately, groups with extreme norms and ideologies provide rigid structures that aid in uncertainty reduction. From white nationalists to anti-fascists, the political arena is tumultuous to the point of explosion. These eruptions can be violent, even deadly, and are becoming too familiar and recognizable. Extremism poses both international and domestic threats. There is no nation or society …


Uncertainty, Populist Deprivation Rhetoric, And Extremism, Crane Conso Jan 2022

Uncertainty, Populist Deprivation Rhetoric, And Extremism, Crane Conso

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

The present study investigates the influence of leadership messages on support for extremism using a social identity framework. Specifically, the study highlights the potential role of populist deprivation rhetoric and self-uncertainty in generating support for leaders and extremism. The study seeks to fill a gap in the existing research to understand the use of deprivation rhetoric as a direct process of populist leadership. Political extremism can serve to reduce feelings of uncertainty. Group relative deprivation results from a social comparison in which a person believes another individual or group is denying them something to which they feel entitled. Leaders can …


Uncertainty And Support For Extremist Governments, Dennis Estrada Jan 2020

Uncertainty And Support For Extremist Governments, Dennis Estrada

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Extremist governments and regimes have risen to power throughout history and the 2016 U.S. presidential election of Donald Trump raised concerns amongst scholars and politicians that the U.S. government is trending in this direction. Arguably questionable actions conducted by the Trump administration, such as the “Muslim Ban” or the inhumane treatment of migrants at the U.S. border, can be considered extremist in nature and at minimum they mimic the actions of extremist governments. What drives a populace to support extremist governments, particularly a populace raised in democracy? Previous literature and research suggests that under conditions of uncertainty, people are motivated …