Consenting to a Child's Decision to Join a Jihad: Insights from a Survey of Militant Families in Pakistan

Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, November 2008

44 Pages Posted: 27 May 2010

See all articles by Victor Asal

Victor Asal

State University of New York at Albany

C. Christine Fair

Georgetown University

Steve Shellman

College of William and Mary - Department of Government; University of Georgia - School of Public and International Affairs

Date Written: May 25, 2010

Abstract

This study examines the factors that lead household members to give or refuse consent for other household members to become a militant (or mujahid). Using data derived from a detailed survey fielded among a convenience sample of 141 families of slain militants in Pakistan, this manuscript seeks to explain why some families support participation in jihad and why some families do not. Using the extant literature on recruitment, participation in violent political conflict, and militant Islam as a guide, we posit how and why various household attributes should affect a household member to grant or refuse permission for another household member to wage jihad. We then test our hypotheses implied by our argument using data on households’ financial, religious, and social characteristics. We conclude that a number of social, economic, and religious factors account for variation in household members’ support of jihad.

Suggested Citation

Asal, Victor and Fair, C. Christine and Shellman, Steve, Consenting to a Child's Decision to Join a Jihad: Insights from a Survey of Militant Families in Pakistan (May 25, 2010). Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, November 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1615867 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1615867

Victor Asal

State University of New York at Albany ( email )

135 Western Ave
Building, Room 109
Albany, NY 12222
United States

C. Christine Fair (Contact Author)

Georgetown University ( email )

Washington, DC 20057
United States

Steve Shellman

College of William and Mary - Department of Government ( email )

Government Dept, College of William & Mary
Post Office Box 8795
Williamsburg, VA 23186
United States

University of Georgia - School of Public and International Affairs ( email )

Athens, GA 30602-6254
United States

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