Understanding the Roots of Extremism and Counter Strategies

By Saira Ashraf

Have you ever wondered about the difference between rigidity and extremism? While they might sound similar, they actually represent different concepts.

Rigidity refers to being inflexible, resistant to change and having a strict mindset.

On the other hand, extremism involves holding extreme views on social, political or religious issues, often accompanied by violence or aggression.

ALSO EXPLORE

SPIEF 2024; Russia’s ascent in a multipolar world

Extremism and rigidity come in various forms.

For instance social, political and religious extremism each have their unique characteristics.

Similarly, rigidity can manifest as cognitive rigidity—meaning inflexible thinking patterns, emotional rigidity—difficulty in expressing or managing emotions and behavioural rigidity—a specific unchangeable pattern of behavior.

What leads someone to become an extremist? Many factors contribute to extremism, which can be deeply rooted in our social structures, family environments and even our personal experiences.

Often, the seeds of extremism are sown during childhood. When children grow up in rigid environments with strict family values, they are more likely to adopt extreme ideologies.

Take family values, for example.

The way a family accepts or rejects diverse social and religious values plays a crucial role.

If a child sees their family looking down on intermingling with people of different beliefs, ethnicities or genders, they are likely to develop similar rigid or negative ideas about those groups.

Another significant factor is community interaction.

The community you grow up in, including its leaders and educational institutions, can profoundly influence your beliefs.

Schools, religious institutes and community leaders that preach tolerance and acceptance help foster a society that values diversity.

However, if these leaders propagate rigid and intolerant views, the community members are more likely to adopt extremist ideologies.

ANOTHER STORY

World Bank Approves $1B for DASU Hydropower Project Pakistan

As a psychologist, I have encountered many individuals with extremist values.

When delving into their personal histories, it is often revealed that their beliefs were shaped by their community’s teachings.

Many come from communities where extremism is continually reinforced, whether in mosques, schools or social gatherings.

Other contributing factors include overarching political and social movements that influence how a society views those who are different.

These movements can either promote inclusivity and understanding or breed further intolerance and division.

Understanding the roots of extremism and rigidity is crucial for building a more inclusive and tolerant society.

By addressing these issues at the family and community levels, we can help prevent the spread of extremist ideologies and hopefully foster a more accepting world.

Developing strategies to address the growing problem of extremism in our society is more urgent than ever.

Just a few years ago, we would rarely hear about extremist events.

However, in recent years, we have seen a significant rise in acts of extremism, not just targeting people of different religions but also those within the same faith, accused of not following religious doctrines properly.

We have also witnessed extremism within different castes or linguistic groups.

To tackle this escalating issue, there are a few strategies we can employ.

The first and most effective strategy is awareness. Although it takes time, raising awareness is crucial in combatting extremism.

People need to understand what extremism is and the difference between being an extremist and being a good human being or a good Muslim.

We must educate people about developing patience and tolerance toward people of different religions or castes.

READ MORE

National Economic Council Approves Development Plans for FY25

Awareness can help people realise that even our religion advises us to be patient and tolerant toward others, regardless of their background.

Various elements can help in spreading awarenessincluding community leaders, educational institutions, Union Council offices, madrassahs, mosques and any other place where people gather for advice or social interactions.

No opportunity should be missed to address gatherings of people.

Whether it is during Eid prayers, Independence Day celebrations or any other social events, it should be a state-level directive for all agencies and leaders to raise this issue and spread awareness about extremism.

Another crucial point is to make people understand that standing against extremism and comprehending this phenomenon is in the best interest of their own families and children.

It is not just for the grand political narratives but for the safety and well-being of their immediate environment.

Secondly, there should be a proper system of screening and psychological assessment at every possible institute, whether private or government.

Implementing accurate psychological assessments before hiring or admitting individuals can help identify extremist tendencies early.

By catching these tendencies before they fully develop, it is easier to rehabilitate or counsel these individuals before their extremist ideologies spread to others.

In summary, our society urgently needs to adopt strategies to curb the rise of extremism.

By promoting awareness and instituting systematic psychological assessments, we can address the root causes and help build a more tolerant and peaceful community.

It is a collective effort that begins with understanding and education, ensuring everyone realises the importance of this mission for the safety of future generations.

📢 Follow News Valley WhatsApp Channel For Latest Updates

The writer is a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in law enforcement and Behavioural Science Lead at Pantellica (Pvt) Ltd