I read this on Mother Jones (via a friend linking on Facebook).
Here Are the Psychological Reasons Why an American Might Join ISIS
While the article focuses on Westerners who join ISIS or other radical/militant Islamic groups, I found the article as a whole interesting in terms of possible insights into what makes a person a fundamentalist.
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From the article:
These young people seem to have what psychologists call a very strong "need for cognitive closure," a disposition that leads to an overwhelming desire for certainty, order, and structure in one's life to relieve the sensation of gnawing—often existential—doubt and uncertainty. According to Kruglanski, this need is something everyone can experience from time to time.
We all sometimes get stressed out by uncertainty, and want answers. We all feel that way in moments, in particular situations, but what Kruglanski shows is that some of us feel that way more strongly, or maybe even all the time. And if you go through the world needing closure, it predisposes you to seek out the ideologies and belief systems that most provide it.
I don't think it's necessarily limited to young people, though I think it can explain why people are more receptive to libertarianism and Ron/Rand Paul, but one of the things the article didn't cover (which might merit an article in itself) is that the same reasoning can also apply to religious fundamentalists in general (including our own homegrown Dominionists/Christian Taliban etc.)
- Upset that "uppity" African-Americans are now daring to exercise more rights including their freedom? Here is an organization that is suited to you, consisting of people who believe that "negroes" are out to rape and pillage and need to be put in check. All you need to do is to wear a white hood and burn crosses, among other things.
- Upset about women having gotten the vote and wanting to push for a more equal balance of power in society, including the right to decide their own reproductive health? We have a ready-made organization just waiting for you to pick up the phone and call us.
- Upset about how an "uppity" African-American is in your White House? Here's an organization for you! And as a side effect, you can demonstrate your illiteracy and ignorance, and be respected and feared for it!
And the list goes on...