Reading religious radicalization by Merton's strain theory

This article aims to address the radicalization process of young Western Muslims from a sociological point of view, using Merton’s strain theory as an interpretative factor and taking into account its main political, economic, structural and social characteristics. The socio-economic background of people of migrant origin will then be analysed, considering the basic differences between generations (including in terms of expectations) and between natives and migrants. Feelings of relative deprivation and the availability of a radical religious ideology represent two important (but not the only ones) interpretative factors that will be used to understand the paths of radicalization. At this aim, the concept of radicalization will be examined both semantically and in its operational implications which have influenced most counter-radicalization policies, the salient aspects of which will be outlined. Finally, a brief risk profile of Italy on radicalization trends and possible terrorist attacks will be proposed, considering its “immunity” an extremely interesting feature with respect to the theme here developed.