Masculinity, Misogyny, and the Lone Wolf Terrorist

• In Event: Lone Wolf Terrorism and Beyond

Abstract

This paper identifies a distinguishing trait of the modern lone wolf: their conflict with women. Nothing of the kind can be found prior to the 21st century. Women, per se, played no role in the events that triggered the terrorism. But the triggering events for some of the most lethal contemporary lone wolf terrorists show that interpersonal conflicts between male loners and women matter a great deal. More than a dozen cases are briefly highlighted to show this development. The cases demonstrate that male political violence often begins with attacks against girlfriends and wives. Moreover, terrorists may rehearse and perfect violence against their families first, with the home serving as the training ground for future attacks. A sociological interpretation is offered by linking lone wolf terrorism to engagement with a warrior subculture that fuses violence and politics with masculinity and misogyny. This subcultural script provides a model for problem solving: it sensitizes (and socializes) the lone wolf to the cause and to the belief that a violent attack is both necessary and a transformative experience.

Author

• Mark Hamm, Indiana State University