Tracking Lone Wolf Terrorists

Terrorism takes many forms, and many advances in identifying and tracking terrorists have been made in the past few years. However, the rise of self-radicalized lone wolf terrorists is an increasing challenge, compounded by their different types and the social and political contexts in which their threats exist. These predators require multiple strategies to track and neutralize

The Sociological Perspective Revisited

The Sociological Perspective Revisited Dr. Rodger Bates In the 1950s, sociology was committed to the development of a set of basic concepts for advancing the discipline. Heavily influenced by structure-functionalism, sociology focused on general and mid-range theories in seeking to understand and explain society. By the 1960s this perspective was challenged by the emergence of modern conflict theory with its emphases on race, class and gender and the consequences of inequality. However, with the success of the social movements of the latter half of the century, sociology embraced deconstructionism. As a consequence of this trend, sociology increasingly embraced empathy and personal experience over systemic understanding and scientific inquiry. Today, the relevance of sociology as a tool of understanding is being challenged by the sociology of me. “The Sociological Perspective Revisited” describes this transformation and the challenges it creates for the future of the discipline

The Evolution of Collective Behavior: A Dramaturgical Presentation

The evolution of collective behavior is examined through a dramaturgical presentation in the form of the minutes of faculty meeting between Plato, Skinner and a number of sociologists. The strengths and weaknesses of a number of traditional perspectives are illustrated along with the emergence new forms of collective behavior in the 21st century

Gun Shows: The Social Construction of an Armed Event

Gun shows have long been a part of the American cultural scene, and they involve the sale of firearms, ammunition and related accessories and provide a venue for the interaction of a number of sub-cultural groups. This paper describes and analyzes the social construction of gun shows through participant observation and interviews, and it identifies and examines the norms, practices, myths and realities of the gun show culture

Dancing With Wolves: Today\u27s Lone Wolf Terrorists

Abstract Terrorism takes many forms. However, the rise of the self-radicalized lone wolf terrorist has created an increasing dilemma in today’s security environment. This type of emerging terrorism is increasingly found among right-wing reactionaries and religiously radicalized jihadists. With increasingly effective security environments, leaderless resistance has emerged as a threat and tactic facilitated by the internet and other modern information outlets. The unabomber, Oklahoma City bomber, Fort Hood and Oslo assailants are examples of this new form of terrorist. Through the development of a sociologically informed typology that categorizes lone wolf terrorism in terms of motivation, extent of radicalization, form and risk-awareness, a more relevant understanding of this form of non-normative behavior is proposed

Terrorism Within the Community Context

Terrorism within the community context investigates and discusses the processes of terrorist recruitment within communities and societies. It focuses on the different types of terrorists, their motivations and the social and psychological factors which are correlated with the transformation of an individual from a community member to a community threat. This analysis invokes the perspectives of Durkheim, Sykes and Matza, Snow and others as the role of terrorist is identified, acquired and acted upon. Particular attention is directed to strategies and tactics of role acquisition and social support

Psychological Operations and Terrorism: The Digital Domain

Within the domain of asymmetric warfare, few struggles are won or lost by decisive military battles. Most struggles are decided by a combination of military and political means. Specifically, much of the political leverage is derived from effective psychological operations. The digital domain increasingly has emerged as a major component of this battleground and analysis provides important insights into propaganda and collective behavior in the 21st Century

The Sociology of Shaming

Shaming is a form of social control found in every society.It is an informal mechanism that is found in traditional societies or small, personal groups. The power of shaming is related to a person\u27s sense of self as reflected by his or her interpretation of the acts of others. Today, in the emerging environment of the global village, shaming has evolved from an expanded from a personal to a collective mechanism of influence and social control. In fact, what was once a mechanism of social control has become a potential for social change

Terrorism as Economic Warfare: America\u27s Risky Business

Terrorism is a form of asymmetrical warfare. Terrorists employ a variety of tactics to threaten and intimidate a group or society. Technology is an important force multiplier which may allow them engage in cost-effective actions frequently directed at economic targets. As a means of economic warfare, terrorism can disrupt, demoralize and severely diminish the ability of a group to counter the threat of a terrorist group. It is America\u27s risky business

The Social Construction of Frivolity

Leisure is a continuum of behavior from normative to deviant. Some forms of leisure reflect widely shared cultural norms while others reflect only marginal or sub-cultural acceptance. Within this continuum, we label some harmless forms of non-traditional behavior frivolity. The social construction of frivolity is tempered by time, place, social class and tradition. In addition, frivolity can be a two-edged sword, defining the abnormal as normal or the normal as abnormal. Anthropologists document the functional nature of frivolity as a safety-valve to the pressures of conformity. Sociologists explore how patterns of interaction are altered or suspended in response to special events defined as periods of frivolity. Likewise, students of popular culture study the emergent norms, behaviors and the social definitions associated with carnivals, festivals and special environments dedicated to frivolity