Female Radicalization

Abstract

This chapter discusses the phenomenon of female radicalization based on a case study of the Islamic State. The goal of this chapter is to explore the connection and, possibly, the correlation between the uneven and inconsistent security context and the transformation of gender norms and deeply-rooted gendered segregation inside a jihadist organization through qualitative desk research. Using aspects of securitization theory and a human security paradigm, the research elaborates on the changing politico-military tendencies targeting the Islamic State since the declaration of the War on Terror, the dynamics of changing the strictly domestic role of women inside ISIS, the roles performed by female recruits in the organization, the threat they pose as participants of military jihad, and the propensity of existing counterterrorism measures to ignore the significance of female terrorists. Finally, with proper arguments, the chapter argues that there is a need for implementing a gendered approach to designing case-appropriate counterterrorism strategies.