Ideological meaning-making in the aftermath of traumatic loss: Radicalization as meaning

Abstract

In this qualitative study we explore the concept of ideological meaning-making, with a focus on political radicalization and its relation to the process of meaning-making. Through interviews with 33 individuals who experienced the loss of a close family member in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and subsequently became politically radicalized, four key themes emerged: preliminary decision, zoom out, mission, and radicalized self. Participants initially stabilize their beliefs through a preliminary ideological decision, followed by adopting a broader perspective (zoom out) that encompasses the political context. As the process unfolds, a deep commitment to an ideological cause (mission) emerges, leading to the integration of ideology with self-identity (radicalized self). This study contributes to constructivist theory by providing a nuanced understanding of how ideological radicalization intertwines with the process of meaning-making, offering valuable insights into the complex interplay between individual beliefs, self-identity, and the construction of meaning.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 A seven-day mourning period that begins immediately after the burial of a close family member. During shiva, mourners gather in the home of the deceased or the home of a close family member to receive condolences and support from their family, friends, and community.

Additional information

Funding

This research (grant number I-1002-119.9-2016) was supported, at least in part, by a grant from the German-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development (GIF).