The fractured self: Social exclusion, identity, and radicalisation in the Netherlands

This chapter explores the relationship between experiences of social exclusion and pathways to radicalisation within the Dutch context. Drawing on the extensive qualitative data from the EU-funded DRIVE project, it examines how experiences of marginalisation, precariousness, and a diminished sense of belonging impact both Muslim minority and ethnic majority (nationalist) groups in differing ways. The analysis focuses on the lived experiences of young people, activists, and practitioners, revealing how structural inequalities, discrimination in various societal domains, and a polarised political discourse contribute to feelings of alienation and a search for status and identity. Through a detailed examination of qualitative interviews, the chapter illuminates the narratives of exclusion and the quest for recognition that can, for some, foster a susceptibility to radical ideologies. It proposes a theoretical framework that connects the micro-level experiences of individuals with the meso- and macro-level structures of Dutch society, arguing that a profound perceived lack of belonging, status, and security are critical mediators in the radicalisation process. The chapter concludes by discussing the implications for policy and future research, advocating for a more nuanced, inclusive, and structurally aware approach to countering extremism in the Netherlands and beyond, moving beyond individual pathology or structural biases to address the multi-layered and interactive causes of societal division.