Description
Book SynopsisThe attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in the United States of September 11th, 2001 brought the phenomenon of religious fundamentalism to the world''s attention.Sociological research has clearly demonstrated that fundamentalists are primarily reacting against modernity, and believe that they are fighting for the very survival of their faith against the secular enemy. But we understand very little about how and why people join fundamentalist movements and embrace a set of beliefs, values and norms of behaviour which are counter-cultural. This is essentially a question for social psychology, since it involves both social relations and individual selves.
Drawing on a broad theoretical perspective, social identity theory, Peter Herriot addresses two key questions: why do fundamentalists identify themselves as an in-group fighting against various out-groups? And how do the psychological needs for self-esteem and meaning motivate them? Case studies of Mohammed Atta,
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'Peter Herriot demonstrates how far one can come with linking theories about intergroup relations with religious fundamentalism. It is evident that these theories are highly relevant for and applicable to the phenomenon at hand. He has created a remarkable and original work.' – Bertjan Doosje, Associate Professor, University of Amsterdam
'Religious Fundamentalism and Social Identity makes a permanent contribution to efforts to understand a phenomenon that is unlikely to disappear and one we must all learn to live with.' - Ralph W Hood, Professor of Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chatanooga
'Peter Herriot demonstrates how far one can come with linking theories about intergroup relations with religious fundamentalism. It is evident that these theories are highly relevant for and applicable to the phenomenon at hand. He has created a remarkable and original work.' – Bertjan Doosje, Associate Professor, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
'Religious Fundamentalism and Social Identity makes a permanent contribution to efforts to understand a phenomenon that is unlikely to disappear and one we must all learn to live with.' - Ralph W Hood, Professor of Psychology, University of Tennessee at Chatanooga, USA
Table of ContentsIntroduction. Fundamentalism Versus Secularism. Social Identity Theory. Psychological Evidence. Mohammed Atta. Angry Anglicans. Social Identity, Atta, and the Anglicans. The Management of Fundamentalist Conflicts
