Traditional Masculinity, Social Media, and the Future of Violent Extremism
How do extremist groups turn the desire for belonging, identity, and purpose into a pathway toward violence? Judith Eichenbaum explores how traditional masculinity and race work side by side to reinforce rigid hierarchies in violent extremist spaces. She examines how online groups use memes, aesthetics, and emotionally charged content to promote masculinity centered on control, dominance, and discipline—building trust and emotional connection before introducing more extreme ideology. This training addresses the implications for practitioners working with adolescent and adult men in treatment for harmful behaviors, moving beyond countering ideas to understanding the emotional and cultural pull that makes them appealing.
