Identity, Inequity, and Ideology: Exploring the Impact of Multiple Identities on Right-Wing Extremist Attitudes in Germany

• In Event: EXTR6 Right-wing and jihadist extremist attitudes; comparative approaches

Abstract

Identity-based populism justifies the devaluation of minorities by arguing that societal and political 'elites' prioritize these groups over the 'actual' population. This leads to a growing sense of injustice and marginalization among the majority population in many European countries. Such perceptions, based on group memberships, can be seen as threats to ingroup status within Social Identity Theory (SIT; Tajfel & Turner, 1979). They trigger coping mechanisms such as outgroup devaluation, which aims to protect ingroup status by identifying scapegoats. These manifestations include xenophobia and the rejection of elements of the democratic system – both key dimensions of right-wing extremism.

Populism studies often emphasize nationalism rooted in ethnicity and culture, yet social identity research underscores the multiplicity of identities and their interconnectedness, including ethnicity, culture, region, language, and skin color. This study extends the number of considered identities to include these five identity dimensions mentioned in a cluster analysis approach. The aim is to demonstrate how these diverse identities collectively influence threat perceptions and extremist attitudes.

Focusing on the interrelations among these five identities, the research proposes that identities amplify each other in specific constellations, leading to stronger identity-based threats and right-wing attitudes than single measurements. Based on data from a 2022 representative German survey (N = 4,319), it examines the role of social identities and identity threats in fostering right-wing extremist attitudes.

The findings suggest that complex identity configurations are stronger predictors of such attitudes, highlighting identity’s multifaceted role in shaping societal views, norms, and values. The critical role of diverse social identities in shaping political attitudes and behaviors, underlying the discourse on populism and identity politics, will be discussed.

Author

• Rebecca Endtricht, University of Hamburg