First Step Towards a New Understanding of Radicalisation: Modeling Identity Fusion

Abstract

We want to understand in which circumstances identity fusion occurs. We propose a model in which individual needs and interactions between agents and their social environment come together. We argue the personal identity of an agent will fuse with a group when it has a high need for significance and he is member of a group providing a means to gain significance. Agents cannot join all groups to meet their needs, as agents need to have a social connection with the group and need to be accepted within the group. The model allows for multiple scenarios to occur. Agents with a need for significance not necessarily become fused and will find alternative ways to satisfy their need.