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Barriers to disengagement among former white supremacists
Windisch, S., Simi, P., Blee, K., & DeMichele, M. T. (2022). More than walking away: Barriers to disengagement among former white supremacists. In B. Perry, J. Gruenwald, & R. Scrivens (Eds.), Right-wing extremism in Canada and the United States (pp. 445–468). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99804-2_17
In recent years, disengagement from violent extremism has become an emerging field of inquiry with a considerable effort focused on push and pull factors that compel exit. Much less research, however, examines the obstacles that hinder these individuals’ disengagement. Using data derived from a unique set of in-depth life-history interviews with 91 former US white supremacists, we examine the unfolding nature of disengagement. Despite the desire to leave extremism behind, participants discussed numerous barriers that delayed the exit process, including connections to the white supremacist social identity, lifestyle, and ideology. We conclude with suggestions for future research and recommendations for practitioners addressing terrorism prevention initiatives.
