Lecture 6: how groups convey their ideology (narratives)

Question 1

The psychology of collective violence (model)

Answer 1

Intergroup conflict leads to 2 things:
1. Stronger need for violence (“violence is necessary”)
2. Weaker moral constraints (“the other group is evil”)

A combination of these factors (together with different group processes) leads to collective violence.

Question 2

Narratives

Answer 2

Stories that are aimed at sense-making (like narrative of violence events giving answers to questions about why it happend etc.). This can be at individual or group level. If often filled with emotions, humour, irony, sarcasm, symbolism, metaphors and rituals.

The ideology of a narrative is only one part of it, but the way in which the narrative is communicated is the most important part.

Question 3

6 kinds of narratives

Answer 3

1. Explicit narratives
2. Implicit narratives
3. Tacit narratives
4. Personal narratives
5. Organisational narratives
6. Cultural narratives

What we focus on: master narratives.

Question 4

Master narratives

Answer 4

Narratives that are deeply embedded in a culture, provide a pattern for cultural life and social structure, and create a framework for communication about what people are expected to do in certain situations. Of a combination of personal, explicit, implicit etc. narratives.

Question 5

3N model of narratives

Answer 5

1. The Narrative: the story itself, the message conveyed.
2. The Needs: the individuals/group’s needs that the narative seeks to address (like need for significance/ righteousness).
3. The Network: the social structures that sustain and spread the narrative.

This model integrates these 3 elements for effective storytelling and influence.

Question 6

Elements of a narrative

Answer 6

• A grievance: an evil crime (‘they want to brainwash us’)
• A culprit: someone responsible (‘the elide did this’)
• A secretive element that facilitates the link with violence (‘we need to try irregular strategies, like violence, because normal strategies aren’t enough to stop them’)

Question 7

Narrative plots

Answer 7

• Rags to riches
• Quest
• Voyage and return
• Overcoming the monster
• Tragedy
• Comedy
• Rebirth

Question 8

Narratives in violent groups

Answer 8

The problems described in the narratives:
- An ‘other’ group
- Us vs. them thinking
- Victimhood and injustice

The solutions described in the narratives:
- Heroism
- Belonging
- Justice and rightfulness

Question 9

Examples of violent narratives

Answer 9

Historical narratives:
- Problem: society has changed for the worse.
- Solution: re-establish old norms through violence.

Territorial narratives:
- Problem: the land belongs to us.
- Solution: reclaim through violence.

Gender/masculinity narrative:
- Problem: our masculinity is repressed.
- Solution: violent disruption of feminism.

Question 10

Language and narratives

Answer 10

• Style and form: sentimentality, hyperboles and metaphors are often used.
• Positive framing (‘freedom fighters’ instead of ‘terrorists’)
• In-group language and use of plural pronouns.
• Self-identification and familiarisation (‘our comrades’ ‘our brothers’)

Question 11

Aesthetics in narratives

Answer 11

How it looks matters, the shape, the fond, the colours, the images etc. This is why counter-narratives also should focus on this. It’s not only the message, but it should match the appeal, the style of the narrative and the core values of the group. Narratives not only persuade, but can also inspire.

Question 12

Subculture narratives

Answer 12

Subcultures are groups within a group where social norms of the majority are inverted or satirised (omgedraaid of bespot).

Example: jihadism rebranded as an aesthetic subculture like ‘jihadi-cool’ or ‘jihadi-chique’.

This is inconsistent with the ideology of the group at first glance, but the are using it to show that they are similar people compared to the rest of us (‘we play video games too’, ‘we love kittens too’, ‘we love nutella too’). This attracts people to their group.

Question 13

Eco-fascism

Answer 13

Using climate breakdown as an argument for fascist worldviews.

Example: returning to our roots-narrative:
- Local living –> no immigration.
- Pro selective breeding and white nativist nationalism.
- Emphasising purity, authenticity.
- Anti-technology (not social media etc.)
- Influence on eating habits.
- Concern with overpopulation (‘the others are having too many children’)
- focus on nostalgic perception of history (clearly defined gender roles etc.)