Date of Award

1-1-2011

Document Type

Campus Access Thesis

Department

Sociology

First Advisor

Mathieu Deflem

Abstract

The study of terrorism has revolved around two dominant perspectives: one emphasizing grievances and the other rational choices. It is argued that the subcultural theory of deviance contributes to these perspectives by accounting for the ideational aspects of terrorist groups that have been overlooked. In order to determine the relevance of subcultural theory of terrorism, a comparative-historical study is conducted using five terrorist groups from varying circumstances. The evidence supports the subcultural explanation of terrorism, with less support in regards to how these subcultures form.

Rights

© 2011, Stephen Michael Chicoine

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