De Samenhang tussen Democratisch Burgerschap en de Mate van Radicalisering; Doe maar radicaal dan doe je al normaal genoeg

Abstract

Abstract Objective: Due to the rising scientific and social attention on the process of radicalization in society, the major aim of this article is to examine whether there is a relationship between the process of radicalization and democratic citizenship. It was expected that there is a negative relationship between the two and therefore the higher a person’s democratic citizenship skills the lower their radicalization. Method: A person’s democratic citizenship skills were measured by the survey ‘Burgerschapscompetenties’, developed by the University of Amsterdam, leading to individual civic competences scores. To measure a person’s stage of radicalization, group interviews with 15 adolescents were held. According to Borum’s (2003) model of the four-stage process of radicalization statement from the interviews were encoded and respondents were assigned to a level of radicalization. Both scores have been compared to examine their suspected relationship. Results: An analysis of both scores showed there was no negative or positive relationship between civic competences and the level of radicalization. These results can be explained by analyzing the qualitative data as well as the research process. Conclusion: According to the results, the hypothesis must be rejected. There seems to be no negative relationship between democratic citizenship and the process of radicalization. Nevertheless, this research can provide a basis for further research around radicalization and democratic citizenship.