The Gendered Moral and Political Economy of Terrorism

The Gendered Moral and Political Economy of Terrorism
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Institution
Word count = 402

THE GENDERED MORAL AND POLITICAL ECONOMY OF TERRORISM
Research conducted by The Southern Poverty Law Center established that there are 676 active hate groups in America (Kimmel 2003). Kimmel in his article seeks to explain the effects of globalization on perceived masculinity. The article describes the reactions of lower and middle-class men to universal political and economic attempts at globalization. They blame white women and ‘non-white’ men for “the collapse of public patriarchal entitlement” (Kimmel 2003). Kimmel explains the beliefs of both American and Scandinavian white supremacists in their effort to regain control of society.
Kimmel’s arguments about the effects of globalization on lower-class young men are correct. Political and economic developments have brought about increased opportunities for women and immigrants. However, these white supremacists believe that these changes lead to the oppression of men and that “feminism masculinizes women” (Kimmel 2003). For instance, they portray the Jews as greedy creatures who want to dominate their countries. By doing so, these men use gender as a rhetorical route through which to criticize men who are not white. Their entitlement makes them blame diversity and feminism for the declining economy and unequal opportunities in their countries.
Kimmel also explains the attitudes of women toward these white supremacists. Women in Nordic countries both support and protest the actions of these men.

While complaining about their emasculation, the men show respect for their female counterparts. According to Kimmel (2003), these men campaign vehemently against commercial sex and pornography as they are both industries that degrade women. Nevertheless, some of them still treat these women as inferior and as subordinates supposed to do their every bidding.
Consequently, the beliefs perpetuated by these men contribute to acts of terrorism. The opinion that outsiders and feminists are attacking their countries may fuel their drive to commit violence. For instance, the Al Qaeda terrorists believed that America was responsible for the degradation of Islam for over 80 years (Kimmel 2003). As a result, male entitlement will encourage these men to act against the parties responsible for their emasculation. This gendered shame will fuel acts of violence in an attempt to restore the former patriarchal societies.
Does this mean that the increased rates of terrorism should be blamed on globalization efforts? Or do terrorists maneuver the message of these white supremacists to defend their chaotic actions?
REFERENCE
Kimmel, Michael, S. 2003. “Globalization and its Mal(e) contents.” International Sociology, 18(3): 603-620.