“Masculine Ideologies and the Making of a Lone Wolf: A Criminological Analysis of Jihadist Hegemonic Masculinity and Radicalization Pathways”

1. Abstract (150–250 words)

• Briefly summarize the research aim, methodology, major findings, and significance.
• Mention key terms: radicalization, hegemonic masculinity, jihadist ideology, lone wolf terrorism.

2. Introduction (1–2 pages)

• Define the problem: rise of lone wolf terrorism in the West and its links to gender constructs and radical ideology.
• State your research question(s). Examples:
  • How does Jihadist hegemonic masculinity contribute to radicalization?
  • What role does masculinity play in shaping the identity of lone wolf terrorists?
• Briefly outline the structure of your paper.

3. Literature Review (3–5 pages)

Organize by themes. Use academic sources.

• Theoretical Frameworks:
  • R.W. Connell’s theory of hegemonic masculinity
  • Criminological radicalization models (e.g., Moghaddam’s Staircase to Terrorism)
• Masculinity and Jihadism:
  • Gender roles in extremist narratives
  • Role of grievance, identity crisis, and hypermasculine imagery
• Lone Wolf Terrorism:
  • Definitions and characteristics (e.g., Sageman, Bakker)
  • Psychological and sociopolitical factors

🧠 Table 1: Theoretical Approaches to Radicalization

| Author | Model | Key Concepts | Relevance to Gender

| Moghaddam | Staircase to Terrorism | Grievances, perceived injustice | Gender-based grievances |

Connell | Hegemonic Masculinity | Power, control, hierarchy | Male dominance in jihadist ideology |

4. Methodology (1–2 pages)

Explain your research method(s):

• Qualitative content analysis of manifestos and propaganda
• Case study method
• Secondary data analysis (e.g., Global Terrorism Database, academic reports)

Clarify:

• Criteria for case selection
• Sources of data
• Ethical considerations

5. Case Studies (4–6 pages)

Analyze 2–3 lone wolf terrorist cases through a masculinity/radicalization lens. Suggested cases:

1. Omar Mateen (Pulse Nightclub shooting, 2016)
2. Anis Amri (Berlin truck attack, 2016)
3. Usman Khan (London Bridge stabbing, 2019)

Include for each:

• Background and psychological profile
• Radicalization pathway
• Role of masculine identity and grievance narratives
• Media portrayal and online behavior

📊 Diagram 1: Lone Wolf Radicalization Pathway
Create a flowchart illustrating how hegemonic masculinity and jihadist ideology intertwine (e.g., from identity crisis → masculinity reinforcement → ideological adoption → attack planning).

6. Data Analysis (2–4 pages)

Present trends and patterns using quantitative or qualitative data.

• Use data from GTD, Europol reports, academic databases
• Focus on:
  • Gender of lone wolf attackers
  • Age, background, online radicalization indicators

📈 Table 2: Demographics of Lone Wolf Jihadist Attackers (Europe & US, 2010–2023)
Include gender, age, nationality, method of radicalization, and attack type.

🧩 Highlight connections between:

• Perceived emasculation/marginalization
• Online echo chambers and male bonding
• Narratives of honor, sacrifice, and vengeance

7. Discussion (3–4 pages)

Critically interpret findings:

• How does hegemonic masculinity explain the lone wolf pathway better than religious ideology alone?
• Are there overlaps with incel or far-right masculinities?
• Implications for counterterrorism and deradicalization programs (e.g., gender-sensitive approaches)

8. Conclusion (1–2 pages)

• Restate major findings
• Emphasize criminological insights into the role of masculinity in radicalization
• Suggest further research: e.g., prison radicalization, role of social media influencers

Use footnotes when needed to discuss case law etcInclude DOI in referencing