Description
Book SynopsisExtremism and the Psychology of Uncertainty showcases cutting-edge scientific research on the extent to which uncertainty may lead to extremism. Contributions come from leading international scholars who focus on a wide variety of forms, facets and manifestations of extremist behavior.
Table of ContentsNotes on Contributors vii
Preface: From Uncertainty to Extremism xv
Michael A. Hogg and Danielle L. Blaylock
Part I: Theories and Concepts 1
1 The Need for Certainty as a Psychological Nexus for Individuals and Society 3
Arie W. Kruglanski and Edward Orehek
2 Self-Uncertainty, Social Identity, and the Solace of Extremism 19
Michael A. Hogg
3 Extremism is Normal: The Roles of Deviance and Uncertainty in Shaping Groups and Society 36
Dominic Abrams
4 The Psychology of the Absurd: How Existentialists Addressed (and Succumbed to) Extremist Beliefs 55
Travis Proulx
5 Radical Worldview Defense in Reaction to Personal Uncertainty 71
Kees van den Bos and Annemarie Loseman
6 The Uncertainty-Threat Model of Political Conservatism 90
John T. Jost and Jaime L. Napier
Part II: Individuals and Groups 113
7 Dying to Be Popular: A Purposive Explanation of Adolescent Willingness to Endure Harm 115
Jason T. Siegel, William D. Crano, Eusebio M. Alvaro, Andrew Lac, David Rast, and Vanessa Kettering
8 The Extremism of Everyday Life: Fetishism as a Defense against Existential Uncertainty 131
Mark J. Landau, Zachary K. Rothschild, and Daniel Sullivan
9 Religious Zeal after Goal Frustration 147
Ian McGregor, Kyle A. Nash, and Mike Prentice
10 Dehumanization, Demonization, and Morality Shifting: Paths to Moral Certainty in Extremist Violence 165
Roger Giner-Sorolla, Bernhard Leidner, and Emanuele Castano
11 Light from Dark: Uncertainty and Extreme Positive Acts Toward the “Other” 183
Todd L. Pittinsky
Part III: Groups and Society 195
12 Uncertainty, Insecurity, and Ideological Defense of the Status Quo: The Extremitizing Role of Political Expertise 197
Christopher M. Federico and Grace M. Deason
13 Authoritarianism, Need for Closure, and Conditions of Threat 212
Jennifer L. Merolla, Jennifer M. Ramos, and Elizabeth J. Zechmeister
14 Constructing Extremism: Uncertainty Provocation and Reduction by Extremist Leaders 228
Viviane Seyranian
15 Collective Uncertainty and Extremism: A Further Discussion on the Collective Roots of Subjective Experience 246
Fathali M. Moghaddam and Karen Love
16 Uncertainty, and the Roots and Prevention of Genocide and Terrorism 263
Ervin Staub
Index 281
