Women In Terrorism: A Sociological Perspective
Women in Terrorism: A Sociological Perspective
Gabriela Brantmier
Frederick Community College
Sociology 101 DL3
Ms. Cox
Abstract
…[Al]though religion can play a vital role in recruiting and motivating potential future suicide bombers, the driving force is not religion but a cocktail of motivations including politics, humiliation, revenge, retaliation and altruism.
(Riaz Hassan, 2009)
It is difficult to imagine why women, known for being the nurturers and caregivers in many societies, would be willing to become human bombs that commit terrorist acts of violence (Gentry, 2009). By sacrificing themselves, women provide terror groups with a powerful weapon. As bombs, they can reach targets with more ease, provide …show more content…
Many attribute their actions to martyrdom and self-sacrifice; others blame an oppressive life filled with inequality and violence. Still others claim that these women are drugged, threatened and raped until they comply. According to Anne Speckhard, while some may be coerced, the majority participate through their own free-will (2008). Since the majority of female suicide bombers are successful, they cannot share their stories, their thoughts, and true motivations.
This research paper will focus on women who engage in terrorist acts. It will give an overview of historical female bombers, define the characteristics of female bombers, and explore the level of oppression in certain societies compared to the level of violence in the acts committed by the women in those countries. Finally, the aftermath experienced by the families of terrorist women who were successful, and those who weren’t successful will be …show more content…
Although suicidal attacks have been reported since the 11th century, it was not until the 1960’s that terrorist groups realized the powerful resource that they had. Women have empowered terrorist groups by reaching targets with more ease, providing an increased element of surprise, providing a tactical advantage, and rallying attention for their cause through propaganda and the media (Bloom, 2011, Speckhard, 2008).
It is difficult to identify female suicide bombers solely on characteristics. They vary by age, religion, country, marital status, employment, education, and social status (Gentry, 2009). Much like their male counterparts however, many of the female suicide bombers live in war-torn areas with a lot of hostility, have experienced humiliation and trauma, and have suffered the loss of a close friend or family member (Zedalis,
Gabriela Brantmier
Frederick Community College
Sociology 101 DL3
Ms. Cox
Abstract
…[Al]though religion can play a vital role in recruiting and motivating potential future suicide bombers, the driving force is not religion but a cocktail of motivations including politics, humiliation, revenge, retaliation and altruism.
(Riaz Hassan, 2009)
It is difficult to imagine why women, known for being the nurturers and caregivers in many societies, would be willing to become human bombs that commit terrorist acts of violence (Gentry, 2009). By sacrificing themselves, women provide terror groups with a powerful weapon. As bombs, they can reach targets with more ease, provide …show more content…
Many attribute their actions to martyrdom and self-sacrifice; others blame an oppressive life filled with inequality and violence. Still others claim that these women are drugged, threatened and raped until they comply. According to Anne Speckhard, while some may be coerced, the majority participate through their own free-will (2008). Since the majority of female suicide bombers are successful, they cannot share their stories, their thoughts, and true motivations.
This research paper will focus on women who engage in terrorist acts. It will give an overview of historical female bombers, define the characteristics of female bombers, and explore the level of oppression in certain societies compared to the level of violence in the acts committed by the women in those countries. Finally, the aftermath experienced by the families of terrorist women who were successful, and those who weren’t successful will be …show more content…
Although suicidal attacks have been reported since the 11th century, it was not until the 1960’s that terrorist groups realized the powerful resource that they had. Women have empowered terrorist groups by reaching targets with more ease, providing an increased element of surprise, providing a tactical advantage, and rallying attention for their cause through propaganda and the media (Bloom, 2011, Speckhard, 2008).
It is difficult to identify female suicide bombers solely on characteristics. They vary by age, religion, country, marital status, employment, education, and social status (Gentry, 2009). Much like their male counterparts however, many of the female suicide bombers live in war-torn areas with a lot of hostility, have experienced humiliation and trauma, and have suffered the loss of a close friend or family member (Zedalis,