Inmates, Gang Members and Radicalization

• In Event: Terrorism and Radicalization: Recruits in Different Contexts

Abstract

The study of radicalization and extremist beliefs have become important to criminologists. In spite of this, there is little empirical evidence about the extent to which offenders adopt such beliefs. The presence of the inmate code suggests that while in prison, beliefs about the legitimacy the government and traditional cultural norms may be challenged. We report on a survey of 800 inmates within a week of release from prison in a large southern state. Roughly half of the sample maintained an affiliation with gangs. The study uses scales that measure religious fundamentalism, political mobilization and extremism. We examine the reliability and validity of these scales, and in doing so, assess the extent to which inmates are radicalized.

Authors

• Scott Decker, Arizona State University

• David Pyrooz, University of Colorado Boulder