Value and Belief Systems of Right-wing Extremists: Rationale and Motivation for Bias-motivated Crimes (From Bias Crime: The Law Enforcement Response, P 57-81, 1991, Nancy Taylor, ed. -- See NCJ-136058)

• NCJ Number: 136064
• Author(s): A D Sapp
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 15 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of the ideology of organized groups that commit bias-related violence and other crimes focuses on how ideology is used to interpret the facts of authority and obedience, to perpetuate a restricted set of values, and to serve as a symbol network of ideas that provides a protective cover for the group's perception of reality.

Abstract

Information came from media and printed materials produced mainly by right-wing organizations as well as from secondary sources. Results revealed three basic ideologies joined by a linking concept in the literature and materials produced by right-wing extremist groups. These are Christian Conservatism centered on the "identity" Movement," white racial supremacy, and patriotism and survival. The linking concept is dualism which creates a division of right versus wrong and good versus evil. The three ideologies are essentially equal in importance in the extreme right, although one or more of the ideologies is dominant in any particular group. Related ideologies address the role of women, the education of children and youth, taxation issues, and the right to bear arms. Bias-motivated and hate-motivated offenses are a direct consequence of the value and belief systems of the group members.