A journey from extremist identities to the construction of violent Extremism An anthropological study of University Students

Abstract

The present research investigates the deep process and the stages of Extremism that how extremist identities are constructed, and how these identities and behaviors change into violent Extremism over time. This research is an anthropological study of university students to explain the fundamental structure of Extremism in constructing the student's extremist identities. It includes studying extremist behaviors in universities youth such as radical, lingual, ethnic-based, political, religious, and any other form of Extremism. Qualitative research methodology is used to conduct this anthropological research. The locale of the study is a renowned university of Islamabad. In the qualitative approach, different methods such as the general observation method, participant observation, snowball sampling, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, life histories, and case studies have been used to describe the actual phenomenon of Extremism in the field. Different ethnographic tools and techniques are used to conduct this research, such as interview guides, field notes, audio-video recordings, and daily diaries, Which contribute to exploring the general perception of Extremism. It made it possible to understand the journey from extremist identities to the construction of violent Extremism in University students. This research also explores the nature of Extremism in university students and the resistance of that phenomenon. Extremism is a very confusing phenomenon for a massively public figure. Many academic researchers explain Extremism and its nature. However, the doors are still open to understand the actual meaning of extremist identities and differentiate Extremism from violent Extremism that is harmful to the peaceful society. In this scenario, that research describes from an intense level to study the Extremism and its complete construction process in one's identity. Further, it will also be helpful for peacemaking policies for the government