What motivated the creation of this group?
For a few years now, informal conversations with some FCCSM members have raised concerns about radicalization processes, stemming from the coordinator's experience with cases related to destructive cults and indoctrination movements.
What are the objectives?
We seek to share experiences and knowledge to broaden our understanding of radicalization, with the desire to unify diverse perspectives on this complex phenomenon.
What profiles do the people in our group have? Do you think it could be enriching to expand the group with other profiles? Which ones?
The participants in this working group are mental health and community health professionals, but also religious representatives, educators, social integrators, prison professionals, and those from the educational field. It has been a working group based on the professional experience of its participants with phenomena linked directly or indirectly to radicalization.
What actions do you take and how are you organized to achieve these goals? Do you hold any kind of meetings periodically?
We meet monthly, on Friday mornings. The group is open to new members. Last year, the GT decided to organize, together with the IGOB of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), the workshop “Multi-agency Strategies and Experiences for Exiting Radicalization,” which was held at the headquarters of the Official College of Psychology of Catalonia (COPC) on July 6, 2018.
Why do you think this group is necessary?
We believe it is necessary to generate thought regarding a phenomenon that is difficult to contemplate due to the level of violence it entails. However, we also believe we can help professionals working in the field by providing a space for containment and thought. While we do not aspire to eradicate radicalization, we can imagine ways to contain it by working in a network and helping professionals and families manage the detection and approach of these highly complex situations in three basic areas: health, education, and corrections.
In your opinion, what types of radicalization processes are most likely to affect Catalonia currently?
Radicalization is an absolute mental state resulting from a complex psychosocial process where numerous interacting elements are involved simultaneously. The combination of these elements can lead to situations of varying degrees of personal, familial, and social destructiveness. Beyond violent radicalization linked to jihadism, we observe that particularly far-right violence is another area where phenomena linked to violent radicalization can appear.
What are the factors that can be determinants for the development of radicalization processes? Have they varied throughout history?
The main factors influencing the radicalization process combine, to varying degrees, individual aspects (frustration, feelings of humiliation or injustice, etc.), social aspects (discrimination, marginalization, etc.), political aspects (social or geopolitical conflicts), ideological/religious aspects (fundamentalism, fanaticism, etc.), family aspects (traumatic experiences, grief, etc.), and group aspects (indoctrination processes). Undoubtedly, these factors have changed over time, and the current context tends to favor fundamentalist positions in various areas of knowledge and human relations.
How do you assess current protocols concerning radicalization phenomena? What improvements would you propose?
From our GT, we believe that a phenomenon like this cannot be reduced to protocols. While they are necessary for professional practice because they allow for order and systematization, they can also have another side as they can become protocols that point out or detect false positives or are used to stigmatize.
What can be done at the prevention level? Is it possible to detect it early?
We need to work more with families and the community, keeping in mind that we cannot wait for the “specialist” to arrive, but rather work with the resources we already have in the community, involving all stakeholders in order to foster contexts that allow for significant transformations.
If you are interested in participating in the group, contact us at info@
