Addicted to Hate: Role Residual among Former White Supremacists

• In Event: 572 - Regular Session. Social Psychology 1

Abstract

Relying on in-depth life history interviews (n=89), we examined role residual and role exit among former US white supremacists. More specifically, we focused on the social, psychological, and physiological aspects of role residual and exit. Based on the interview findings, we found that a large portion of the subjects discussed role residual following exit as a type of addiction. In particular, subjects described these difficulties in terms of a series of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral obstacles associated with moving away from hate. The interviewees described addiction in terms of a combination of involuntary and impulsive responses, which they related to certain environmental triggers; the sense that role-related beliefs and behavior persisted despite a desire to change. A portion of the subjects also expressed the fear that their extremist involvement may have resulted in permanent damage including some type of neurological problem. To examine these issues, we utilized identity theory which provides an important framework to understand cases of exit from a role deeply meaningful and central to a person’s identity.

Authors

• Peter Simi, Chapman University

• Kathleen M. Blee, University of Pittsburgh

• Matthew DeMichele, RTI International