Does Private Islamic Schooling Promote Terrorism? An Analysis of the Educational Background of Successful American Homegrown Terrorists

34 Pages Posted: 10 Nov 2017

See all articles by M. Danish Shakeel

M. Danish Shakeel

University of Buckingham

Patrick Wolf

University of Arkansas - Department of Education Reform

Date Written: October 16, 2017

Abstract

Some commentators argue that private religious schools are less likely to inculcate the attributes of good citizenship than traditional public schools, specifically proposing that private Islamic schools are relatively more likely to produce individuals sympathetic to terrorism. This study offers a preliminary examination of the question by studying the educational backgrounds of Western educated terrorists. While data are limited, in accord with prior work findings indicate the vast majority of both Islamic and reactionary terrorists attended traditional public schools and had no religious education; hence findings suggest that early religious training and identification may actually encourage prosocial behavior.

Keywords: terrorism, public schools, private schools, school choice, Islam, madrasa, Muslim, jihadist, right wing, homegrown terrorists

Suggested Citation

Shakeel, M. Danish and Wolf, Patrick, Does Private Islamic Schooling Promote Terrorism? An Analysis of the Educational Background of Successful American Homegrown Terrorists (October 16, 2017). EDRE Working Paper No. 2017-20, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3068968 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3068968

M. Danish Shakeel (Contact Author)

University of Buckingham ( email )

Buckingham
United Kingdom

Patrick Wolf

University of Arkansas - Department of Education Reform ( email )

201 Graduate Education Building
Fayetteville, AR 72701
United States

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