Why so very few Turkish Dutch young adults appear to be drawn to extreme forms of radicalism

In studies on radicalization the relation between the social position of groups in society and the risks of radicalization is often described in negative terms. Studies on these subjects generally present low socio-economic positions and socio-cultural factors that diverge from dominant society as important explanations for radicalization. A recent Dutch study on developments in the social position of Turkish-Dutch youngsters in relation to risks of radicalization, however, offers a different perspective on the linkages between (social) exclusion and radicalization. An extensive literature study and qualitative interviews with 73 Turkish-Dutch youngsters and 27 professionals shows that Turkish Dutch youngsters, even in a context of (social) exclusion, discrimination, and strong inward orientations on their own ethnic group, conform to democratic standards and values and neither adapt extremist views nor participate in Turkish or multi-ethnic radical movements. In this presentation we will therefore suggest an alternative, more ‘positive’ perspective on how the relation between the social position of Turkish-Dutch young adults and radicalization can be understood.