Perceiving Unfairness

Chapter 4 describes the core factor in the radicalization process on which this book focuses, namely how people use judgments of unfairness to fuel radical beliefs, extremist behaviors, and terrorism. In particular, the chapter notes that various experiences of unfairness and injustice in society may be important drivers of social unrest and the deeply felt need for societal change. The chapter discusses the idea that issues of unfair treatment, relative deprivation, inequitable outcomes, and immorality all can serve as experiences that things are not right. These experiences can be genuinely felt and, when coupled with a sense of frustration and deprivation, may have real consequences on enhanced radicalization. Figures 4.1, 4.2, and especially 4.3 depict the radicalization processes the chapter focuses on.