Publication
‘Tell them if they race-mix, they will rot in hell’: right-wing extremists’ narratives on children’s ideological socialisation
In this article, Layla van Wieringen, Daan Weggemans, and Marieke Liem investigate how right-wing extremist parents discuss and rationalise the ideological socialisation of their children, using a narrative analysis of posts from the white nationalist online forum Stormfront.
- Author
- Layla van Wieringen, Daan Weggemans & Marieke Liem
- Date
- 14 April 2025
- Links
- Read the full article here
The researchers identify five distinct narratives that right-wing extremist parents use when discussing the upbringing of their children. These narratives reveal a tension between two overarching 'meta-narratives': one that values children’s autonomy and self-determination, particularly in contrast to mainstream society, and another that emphasises authoritarianism and obedience to the family’s ideological values. This duality leads to inconsistent and sometimes contradictory approaches to parenting within the right-wing extremist milieu.
The study finds that, unlike previous research focused on jihadist families, right-wing extremist parents often appeal to multigenerational duties, romanticising historical events and stressing genetic heritage as central to their children’s upbringing. While some parents advocate for strict control and insulation from mainstream influences, others encourage their children to make independent ideological choices, albeit within a framework that ultimately supports the family’s extremist worldview.
By analysing real-time, first-hand accounts, the article provides new insights into the complexities of ideological transmission in extremist households. The findings suggest that the process is neither uniform nor straightforward, and is shaped by both ideological convictions and practical considerations about parenting. This research highlights the importance of understanding these nuanced dynamics for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.