Young women bound for Islamic State, or 'Free Speech' protests for Tommy Robinson-- radicalisation spans ideologies. Though an often-used term, the process of radicalisation is not well understood, and the role of gender within it is often ignored. This book reveals the centrality of gender to radicalisation, using primary research among two of Britain's key extremist movements: the banned Islamist group al-Muhajiroun, and those networked to it; and the anti-Islam radical right, including the English Defence League and Britain First. Through interviews with leaders including Anjem Choudary, Jayda Fransen and Tommy Robinson, as well as their followers, Elizabeth Pearson explores the making of extreme men and women, showing both parallels and distinctions between the two movements. She argues that perceived gendered differences and boundaries are central to radicalisation pathways, but rooted in local cultures and place; and challenges notions of radicalisation as transformative, highlighting instead continuities between activist and non-activist practices of masculinity. She examines how extreme groups construct, collectivise, mobilise and legitimise-- but also resist--ideas of masculinity and gender. Understanding the men and women involved in extreme movements will better equip us to counter them. This fascinating study offers invaluable insight into some of their lives and motivations.

This book presents original research on gender and the power dynamics of diverse forms of violent extremism, and efforts to counter them. Based on focus group and interview research with some 250 participants in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and UK in 2015 and 2016, it offers insights from communities affected by radicalisation and violent extremism. It introduces the concept of gendered radicalisation, exploring how the multiple factors of paths to violent extremist groups - social, local, individual and global - can differ for both men and women, and why. The book also offers a critical analysis of gender and terrorism; a summary of current policy in the five countries of study and some of the core gendered assumptions prevalent in interventions to prevent violent extremism; a comparison of Jihadi extremism and the far right; and a chapter of recommendations. This book is of use to academics, policy-makers, students and the general reader interested in better understanding a phenomenon defining our times.

This book presents original research on gender and the power dynamics of diverse forms of violent extremism, and efforts to counter them. Based on focus group and interview research with some 250 participants in Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands and UK in 2015 and 2016, it offers insights from communities affected by radicalisation and violent extremism. It introduces the concept of gendered radicalisation, exploring how the multiple factors of paths to violent extremist groups - social, local, individual and global - can differ for both men and women, and why. The book also offers a critical analysis of gender and terrorism; a summary of current policy in the five countries of study and some of the core gendered assumptions prevalent in interventions to prevent violent extremism; a comparison of Jihadi extremism and the far right; and a chapter of recommendations. This book is of use to academics, policy-makers, students and the general reader interested in better understanding a phenomenon defining our times.

"Women, Their Names, & the Stories They Tell" is a collection of essays by women from different cultures and age groups who discuss the psychological, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of names and identity beginning with our oldest Native American and African naming traditions and ending with the latest naming trends of Generations X and Y, including daemons, avatars, user names, initials, and their increasing awareness of the global aspects of identity. The essays indicate our sense of self is constantly evolving, and ancient naming traditions can provide a guide for the fractured self of the 21st century. References in print and online are provided to diverse topics, including psychology, race, religion, history, and even the esoteric, reflected in the 21st century through a scientific lens, so women can pursue their personal interests to enrich, and even heal, their own sense of self. The essays help bridge ethnic and religious divides by increasing understanding, emphasizing compassion, and our common humanity.

AS YOU READ MY POEMS You''re my "audience of one." I hope to hold you captive From the moment you''ve begun. But, alas, it''s for you to decide If staying is worth your while. Will you decide I bore you Or will you like my style? Perhaps the subjects covered Will draw you back again, Curious to see what truths I see In the rhymes that I have penned. These are but lessons I have learned, Many that I feel should not be spurned. You may applaud or disagree, And, without repercussion, take issue with me. I beg you to enter with an open mind, Taking time to think through and digest. Discard what, to you, does not apply But linger o''er what you deem best. And, if there''s but one you can pass along, ''Twill serve to fill my heart with song.