SOCI 212 WEEK 8 DISCUSSION: TERRORISM

Recap

In the previous Assignment 4, we explored social problems more deeply. To communicate our understanding of the Problem, we prepared a PowerPoint Presentation. 

Introduction to SOCI 212 Week 8 Discussion

 This How-To SOCI 212  Guide provides a structured approach for students to analyse the complex issue of terrorism through sociological theories. It is designed to help you apply theoretical frameworks to real-world issues, enhancing your understanding of both the causes of terrorism and the effectiveness of efforts to combat it.

How does one of the major sociological perspectives (i.e., conflict theory, functionalism, interactionism, feminist theory) help you to understand why terrorism occurs? In explaining your answer, connect at least three main elements of the theory to terrorism.

Option 01: Understanding Terrorism through a Sociological Lens

For this option, in the SOCI 212 Week 8 Discussion: Terrorism, we will explore the major sociological perspectives in understanding terrorism.

• Choose one of the major sociological perspectives: conflict theory, functionalism, interactionism, or feminist theory. Consider which theory resonates most with your understanding of social behaviour and conflicts.
• Identify and explain three main elements of the chosen theory. For example, if you select conflict theory, you might focus on power struggles, resource inequality, and competing interests.
• Connect these elements to terrorism by discussing how they can lead to or exacerbate terrorist activities. For instance, explain how power struggles and inequality can foster environments where terrorism is seen as a viable method to achieve political ends.

Example

Utilising feminist theory, a sociological perspective that examines social structures through the lens of gender and power dynamics provides a nuanced understanding of why terrorism occurs (Gasztold, 2020). This perspective emphasises the roles of gender inequalities, patriarchy, and the marginalisation of women in contributing to social conflicts and, by extension, terrorism. Here, we connect three core elements of feminist theory—gendered power structures, the role of women in conflict, and symbolic gender politics—to the phenomenon of terrorism.

Gendered Power Structures: Feminist theory posits that unequal power relations between genders can contribute to broader societal violence, including terrorism (Brubaker, 2021). Historically, patriarchal societies often perpetuate power imbalances not just domestically but also in their external interactions. These power dynamics can create a culture that justifies force and domination, influencing groups to adopt terrorism as a means to assert their dominance or challenge perceived oppressors. In many terrorist organisations, a hyper-masculinized ideology often prevails, which valorises violence and martyrdom while suppressing empathy and compromise.

Role of Women in Conflict: The involvement of women in terrorist activities or as peacemakers can provide unique insights into the motivations and operations of terrorist groups. Feminist sociology considers how women’s roles are often overlooked or stereotyped in conflict scenarios. For example, while women are frequently seen only as victims or peacemakers, they can also be active participants or even leaders within terrorist organisations. Understanding these roles can challenge conventional narratives about terrorism and encourage a more comprehensive approach to resolving conflicts that consider the motivations and actions of all involved (Brubaker, 2021).

Symbolic Gender Politics: Feminist theory also explores how terrorist groups employ gender symbolism to advance their narratives. For instance, acts of terrorism often carry symbolic messages aimed at disrupting the social order or challenging gender norms. The targeting of locations or events that represent liberal values, including gender equality, can be seen as not just a political statement but also an assertion of conservative gender ideologies. This symbolism can galvanise recruits and sympathisers who feel their traditional roles or values are threatened by global changes toward gender equality.

By applying feminist theory to the study of terrorism, we can uncover the often hidden gender dimensions of these conflicts. This perspective helps us see beyond the immediate political or religious motivations of terrorism to understand how deeply ingrained social structures, especially those related to gender, can contribute to the perpetuation of terrorism (Gasztold, 2020). Understanding these layers is crucial for developing more effective and equitable counterterrorism strategies that address the root causes of terrorism, including gender inequality and the exploitation of gender dynamics.

Imagine you are a sociologist asked to join a task force to analyse whether or not the war on terrorism has been successful. You must choose a position – either yes or no – and apply the sociological perspective in explaining your position. What are three elements that you, as a sociologist, would focus on in arguing your position?

Option 02: Analyzing the Success of the War on Terrorism

For this option, we will analyse whether or not the war on terrorism has been successful.

• Decide whether you believe the war on terrorism has been successful or not. This decision should be based on preliminary research or your understanding of the outcomes of these efforts.
• Apply the sociological perspective you have chosen to justify your position. Use the theory to frame your argument, showing how it supports your view on the success or failure of the war on terrorism.
• Focus on three specific sociological elements that support your position. For example, if using conflict theory, you might analyse how global power dynamics, state behaviours, and economic conditions have influenced the outcomes of the war on terrorism.
• Provide evidence or examples for each element, such as statistical data on terrorist incidents before and after major policy implementations or qualitative data from expert analyses or case studies.

Example

In assessing the success of the war on terrorism, I adopt the perspective of conflict theory, which highlights the role of power dynamics, socio-economic inequalities, and the contest for resources in shaping social relations and conflicts, including terrorism (Ide, 2022). From this vantage point, I argue that the war on terrorism has not been wholly successful due to persistent structural issues that conflict theory elucidates.

Global Power Dynamics: Conflict theory suggests that global power imbalances between countries can exacerbate conflicts, leading to radicalisation and terrorism. The war on terrorism often involves powerful nations intervening in less powerful ones, which can be perceived as acts of aggression or imperialism. This dynamic can increase local support for terrorist groups, which position themselves as defenders against foreign domination. For instance, interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan have sometimes been seen as exacerbating local insurgencies rather than solely quelling terrorism.

State Behaviors and Policies: The response of states to terrorism, often in the form of heightened security measures and military actions, can inadvertently contribute to cycles of violence. Conflict theory points out that such measures can alienate marginalised groups and curtail civil liberties, fostering environments where terrorism can thrive (Clancy et al., 2024). Policies that emphasise militaristic solutions over addressing underlying socio-economic grievances often fail to remove the root causes of terrorism and may even deepen the resolve of terrorist groups.

Economic Conditions: Economic disparities and lack of opportunities are significant drivers of terrorism. Conflict theory helps us understand how economic marginalisation can lead to radicalisation. In many regions affected by terrorism, such as parts of the Middle East and Africa, widespread poverty and lack of economic opportunities provide fertile ground for terrorist groups to recruit disillusioned youth. The war on terrorism has often overlooked these socio-economic dimensions, focusing instead on eliminating terrorists rather than improving the conditions that lead to terrorism (Clancy et al., 2024).

In conclusion, while there have been tactical successes in the war on terrorism, such as the elimination of key terrorist leaders and the disruption of major terrorist plots, conflict theory suggests that without addressing the underlying power imbalances, state behaviours, and economic conditions, the war on terrorism cannot be deemed entirely successful. The persistence of terrorism, despite extensive efforts, underscores the need for more holistic approaches that address the root causes as identified by sociological analysis.

Closing

This How-To Owlisdom Guide equips you with the tools to critically analyze terrorism from a sociological perspective. By applying theoretical concepts to understand the causes of terrorism and evaluate the effectiveness of counterterrorism measures, you will develop a deeper, more nuanced understanding of global social issues. This exercise not only enhances your analytical skills but also prepares you to engage more effectively in discussions on global security and policymaking.

References

Brubaker, S. J. (2021). Embracing and expanding feminist theory:(Re) conceptualizing gender and power. Violence against Women, 27(5), 717–726. 

Clancy, T., Addison, B., Pavlov, O., Palmer, E., & Saeed, K. (2024). Systemic innovation for countering violent radicalization: Systems engineering in a policy context. Systems Engineering. 

Gasztold, A. (2020). Feminist Perspectives on Terrorism: Critical Approaches to Security  Studies. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37234-7 

Ide, T. (2022). Globalizing the ‘war on terror’? An analysis of 36 countries. International Relations, 00471178221105576.