The Recruitment and Radicalisation of Western Citizens: Does Ostracism Have a Role in Homegrown Terrorism?

Humans have a consuming desire for social interaction. Consequently, if a member is ostracised from a group, this can have huge implications for their well-being. Once ostracised, individuals may try to fortify their social needs by seeking out accepting groups. Research suggests that this makes individuals prone to social influence and joining negative groups. This paper evaluates current ostracism research, and discusses its implications with regard to identity and the radicalisation process. The aim was to highlight the risk factors that arose from the societal exclusion of Muslims through Islamophobia following 9/11, and the increase in homegrown terrorism with regards to ostracism research. It concludes that future research and counter-terrorism strategies must consider ostracism as a factor in the radicalisation process.